DBT Skills Group in Denver: Build a Life That Works

At Front Range Treatment Center, our DBT Skills Group is more than just a class - it’s a foundation for change. If you’re dealing with overwhelming emotions, impulsive behavior, or unstable relationships, learning DBT skills in a group can give you tools to take control. Our DBT Skills Classes teach strategies that help you regulate emotions, cope with stress, improve communication, and stay grounded in the present. Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing therapy, this group can support you in building a more balanced, connected life.

What Is a DBT Skills Group?

A DBT skills group is a structured, classroom-style therapy experience where you learn specific life skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, strengthen relationships, and improve focus. Unlike traditional group therapy, DBT skills classes aren’t about sharing feelings or processing thoughts - they’re about learning and applying practical tools. Classes follow a research-backed curriculum and are led by experienced DBT clinicians. Each week, you’ll explore a new skill and get guidance on how to use it in real life. The goal is to make lasting changes, step by step, with support and structure along the way.

How DBT Skills Classes Work at FRTC

Our DBT skills group meets once a week for two hours, either in-person or online. You’ll participate in a focused class environment, learning four key DBT skill sets: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Each round of skills lasts about six months. Graduates complete two full rounds of class, reinforcing each set of tools. Morning and evening sessions are available to fit your schedule. Whether you're enrolled in our full DBT program or just the group, we help you build skills you can use every day.

Part of Our Comprehensive DBT Program

DBT Skills Group is one piece of our full DBT program. When you join our Comprehensive DBT Program, you’ll attend weekly group classes alongside individual DBT therapy. This full model provides the structure, support, and accountability needed for deep change. If you’re interested in our full program, the first step is a consultation to help you decide if it’s the right fit. Together, we’ll map out a plan to help you reach your goals.

Standalone Skills Classes (Group-Only Option)

Already working with a DBT-trained individual therapist? You can join our DBT skills group as a standalone option. This is a great way to add skills training to your existing therapy. Before joining, we’ll schedule a group orientation to ensure this approach is a good match. We’ll walk you through what to expect and how groups can support your current treatment.

What You’ll Learn in DBT Skills Group

DBT Skills Group at FRTC focuses on four skill areas:

  • Mindfulness: Learn to stay present, reduce worry, and increase daily focus.

  • Emotion Regulation: Understand and manage intense emotions, create healthier habits, and reduce emotional suffering.

  • Distress Tolerance: Cope with pain and crises without making things worse. Learn skills for calming, grounding, and accepting reality.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improve communication, set boundaries, ask for what you need, and reduce conflict.

Each skill is practical and can be used right away in your everyday life.

What Makes DBT Skills Group Effective?

What makes a DBT skills group effective isn’t just the curriculum, it’s the way the structure, support, and practice come together. At FRTC, you’ll learn proven tools from expert clinicians in an environment designed for growth. But what really sets DBT apart is that it helps you make changes in real time. You won’t just learn coping strategies, you’ll be coached on how to apply them when life gets tough. Skills are introduced in digestible steps, and each week builds on the last. With the right support, you’ll begin to notice real shifts in how you think, feel, and respond.

Who Benefits Most from DBT Skills Group?

The DBT skills group is ideal for adults who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or struggle to maintain healthy relationships. It’s also a strong fit for those dealing with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or chronic stress. But you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit. If you find yourself reacting impulsively, having difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, DBT skills can help. Many clients say they finally feel like they have a toolbox they can rely on. Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or looking to build on existing work, this group gives you a path forward. If your loved one is struggling with any of these issues, our Friends and Family DBT might be able to help you.

Learn more about DBT Skills Classes @ FRTC.

Learn how our DBT classes can help you build a life worth living. Request more info about our DBT classes, learn about our full DBT program, or schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About DBT Skills Group

  • A DBT skills group is different from regular therapy because it focuses on teaching practical coping skills rather than talking through past experiences. The purpose of a DBT skills group is to help participants learn and apply four core sets of DBT skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. While individual therapy helps you explore personal issues, the group is more structured and educational. Each week, you’ll learn a new tool and practice it with support. It’s like taking a class, with real-world impact.

  • The DBT skills group at FRTC meets once a week for two hours. A full round of skills training takes about six months to complete. To be considered a graduate, participants complete each module twice, which usually means about a year of group attendance. This structure allows time to learn, practice, and strengthen each skill set. We offer both morning and evening sessions to fit different schedules, and clients can attend in person or online depending on their needs.

  • To join the DBT skills group, you’ll either need to be part of our full DBT program (which includes weekly individual therapy) or already be working with a DBT-trained therapist elsewhere. If you’re joining group-only, we’ll schedule a brief orientation to make sure this setup works for you. We do this to ensure that you have individual support as you learn and apply the skills. Group and individual therapy together provide the most effective structure for long-term change.

  • Feeling nervous about joining a DBT skills group is completely normal. Many people worry about being judged or sharing too much. The good news is that DBT groups are not about processing your deepest emotions in front of others. Instead, it’s a structured, class-like environment where the focus is on learning skills. You’ll always have the option to participate in a way that feels comfortable, and the group is led by trained therapists who prioritise safety and respect.

  • Yes, our DBT skills group is available both online and in person. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and convenience of virtual sessions, especially if they live outside of Denver or have transportation challenges. The virtual format follows the same structure as in-person classes, including interactive exercises, skill review, and handouts. Whether you join from home or at our office, you’ll get the same thoughtful support from experienced DBT clinicians.

  • DBT skills group can be a great option if you’ve tried other therapies without success. Many clients come to us after feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsupported in past therapy. DBT offers concrete, structured skills that go beyond talking - giving you real tools to change your behaviour and feel more in control. Whether you struggle with emotion regulation, impulsivity, or relationships, DBT skills classes help you build new habits that last.

  • Yes, DBT skills group includes weekly homework, but it's manageable and meaningful. Homework helps you apply what you’ve learned to real-life situations. This might include using a specific skill during a stressful moment, keeping a mindfulness log, or tracking your emotional responses. It’s a chance to build confidence and reinforce your learning outside of the group. Your therapist will always help tailor assignments to your pace and goals.

  • Our DBT skills group is part of our Adult DBT Program and is intended for adults aged 18 and up. If you’re looking for support for a teen DBT Program, please contact us and we can help refer you to appropriate youth programs. For adults in Denver or nearby areas looking for structured emotional support, our DBT skills classes are a great fit.

  • If you’re looking for practical tools to manage strong emotions, improve your relationships, and feel more grounded day to day, you’re probably ready to join a DBT skills group. You don’t need to feel totally stable or have everything figured out - just a willingness to learn and try something new. During your intake process, we’ll help determine if the group is a good match for your goals and readiness.

  • To join our DBT skills group, the first step is to contact us for a consultation or intake session. If you’re interested in the full DBT program, we’ll help you start that process. If you already have an individual DBT therapist, we’ll schedule a group orientation session and make sure everything is in place before you begin. It’s an easy, supportive way to take the next step in your growth.