Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can feel both hopeful and nerve-wracking. If you have been referred to our program or are considering DBT for the first time, knowing what to expect can help ease some of that uncertainty. At Front Range Treatment Center, we want every client to feel prepared and supported from day one.
The Initial Phone Consultation
Before your first in-person appointment, most DBT programs begin with a brief phone consultation. This is not therapy — it is a chance for you and your therapist to make sure the program is a good fit. During this call, you can expect to discuss what brought you to seek treatment, share a bit about your current symptoms or challenges, and ask any questions you have about how our DBT program works. At FRTC, we offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can learn about our services with no pressure or commitment.
Your First Individual Therapy Session
Your first individual session is sometimes called the orientation or pre-treatment phase. In comprehensive DBT, this session is focused on building a relationship with your therapist and setting the foundation for treatment rather than diving straight into skills or problem-solving. Your therapist will ask about your history, your goals for therapy, and the specific difficulties you are experiencing. Together, you will discuss how DBT works and what a typical week of treatment looks like. You may also talk about what commitment to the program involves, including attending both individual therapy and a weekly skills group.
It is completely normal to feel anxious before this appointment. Your therapist understands that vulnerability takes courage, and the session will move at a pace that feels manageable for you. There is no pressure to share everything in the first meeting.
Your First DBT Skills Group
DBT skills group is a core part of comprehensive DBT, and it may be different from what you picture when you hear the word “group therapy.” Skills group is structured more like a class than a traditional therapy group. A trained skills group leader teaches specific coping skills from four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. You will practice these skills through discussion and exercises, and you will receive homework to help you apply them during the week.
At Front Range Treatment Center, we offer DBT skills classes for adults, adolescents, and even a multi-family format where loved ones can learn alongside clients. You do not need to share personal details about your life in skills group. The focus is on learning and practicing skills together in a supportive environment.
Diary Cards and Homework
One thing that makes DBT different from many other therapies is the use of diary cards. A diary card is a simple tracking sheet where you record your emotions, urges, and skill use throughout the week. Your therapist will review the diary card with you at the beginning of each individual session. This helps both of you quickly see how your week went and decide together what to focus on in session. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but most clients find that diary cards become a valuable part of their routine within just a few weeks.
Phone Coaching Between Sessions
In comprehensive DBT, your therapist is available for brief phone coaching calls between sessions. This is not a second therapy session — phone coaching is designed to help you apply the skills you are learning in real time, right when you need them most. If you are in a difficult moment and unsure how to use a skill, you can reach out to your therapist for quick guidance. This level of support is one of the things that sets comprehensive DBT apart from other forms of therapy.
Common Questions Before Starting DBT
Many people have similar questions before beginning DBT. Here are a few of the most common ones we hear at Front Range Treatment Center.
Do I need a specific diagnosis to start DBT? No. While DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), it has since been shown to help people dealing with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, and emotion dysregulation in general. You do not need a BPD diagnosis to benefit from DBT.
How long does DBT treatment last? A standard course of comprehensive DBT typically runs for about six months to one year. Skills group cycles through all four modules over roughly 24 weeks, and many clients complete two full cycles. Your individual therapist will work with you to determine the right timeline for your goals.
What if I am already seeing another therapist? If you are currently in individual therapy elsewhere, it is important to know that comprehensive DBT works best when your individual therapist and skills group leader are part of the same treatment team. This is because DBT therapists meet weekly on a consultation team to coordinate care. If you are interested in our program, we can help you figure out the best path forward during your initial consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
Front Range Treatment Center is a DBT-Linehan Board Certified program serving adults, teens, and children in the Denver metro area. Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of DBT in a warm and supportive environment. If you are considering DBT for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more. Contact us today at (720) 390-6932 or visit our contact page to get started.