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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop effective coping strategies for life's challenges. One of the critical skill modules in DBT is interpersonal effectiveness, which focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships, asserting personal needs, and navigating social situations confidently.
Within the interpersonal effectiveness module, the GIVE skills are techniques to help individuals communicate more effectively, maintain relationships, and enhance their social interactions. GIVE is an acronym for Gentle, Interested, Validate, and Easy Manner. The following sections provide an in-depth look at each of these skills.
A gentle approach involves being respectful, considerate, and non-threatening in your interactions with others. This includes using polite language, avoiding aggressive or confrontational behaviors, and being sensitive to the feelings and needs of the other person. Adopting a gentle approach can create a positive atmosphere that fosters open communication, builds trust, and encourages mutual understanding.
To practice a gentle approach:
Displaying an interested attitude means actively listening to the other person, asking open-ended questions, and showing genuine curiosity about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By demonstrating that you are engaged and interested in what the other person says, you can build rapport, establish trust, and create an environment where open and honest communication can thrive.
To cultivate an interested attitude, practice active listening skills, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and paraphrasing the other person's statements to ensure you comprehend their message. Additionally, asking open-ended questions encourage the other person to share their thoughts and feelings and express empathy and support when appropriate.
Validation is a crucial interpersonal skill that involves acknowledging and accepting the other person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. By validating the other person, you communicate that you hear them, understand their perspective, and recognize the legitimacy of their emotions.
To practice validation:
An easy manner can help diffuse tension, promote open communication, and foster positive relationships. Maintaining an easy way involves being relaxed, approachable, and light-hearted during social interactions. This includes using humor appropriately, being flexible and adaptable, and striving to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for yourself and the other person.
To develop a straightforward manner, focus on staying calm and composed in social situations, even when feeling nervous or anxious. Practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to help manage stress and maintain a relaxed demeanor. Additionally, work on cultivating a sense of humor and learning to laugh at yourself and situations when appropriate. Remember that being approachable and easygoing does not mean being overly passive or avoiding asserting your needs; instead, it means fostering an environment where both parties can feel at ease and communicate openly.
Integrating the GIVE skills into your daily life involves consistent practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth. Start by reflecting on your current communication style and interpersonal interactions, and identify areas where you can improve or implement the GIVE skills.
In your everyday interactions, focus on being gentle, interested, validating, and maintaining an effortless manner. This may involve practicing active listening, expressing empathy, and being more mindful of your body language and tone of voice. Additionally, seek opportunities to practice these skills in various social situations, such as at work, with friends, or in community settings.
To enhance your interpersonal effectiveness further, consider engaging in DBT skills training groups or working with a trained therapist who can provide guidance, support, and feedback as you learn and apply the GIVE skills.
The GIVE skills in dialectical behavior therapy offer a valuable framework for enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, building and maintaining healthy relationships, and confidently navigating social situations. By incorporating the principles of a gentle approach, an interested attitude, validation, and an easy manner into your daily interactions, you can foster open communication, establish trust, and create meaningful connections with others.
As with any new skill, mastery of the GIVE techniques requires patience, persistence, and practice. With time and effort, you can develop the interpersonal skills necessary to thrive personally and professionally, fostering stronger, healthier relationships and improving your overall well-being.
If you're struggling with daily life and relationship issues due to negative behaviors and emotions, consider enrolling in the Grouport DBT series by Grouport Therapy. Our DBT Skills group equips participants with new skills to replace negative behaviors and emotions that can cause daily life and relationship issues. It is excellent for interpersonal connections, building social skills concerning relationship issues, improving emotion regulation & distress tolerance, and developing deeper mindfulness.
We also have groups for a variety of other topics including anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, and trauma and PTSD, among many others. You can explore a wide range of group topics and options here. Sign up for one of our groups today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change.
We offer DBT group therapy online to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, & interpersonal skills. Get effective and affordable treatment.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.
