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Graduate DBT Class

pleting a foundational skills program is a powerful milestone in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Yet for many people, the journey doesn’t end there. Growth is ongoing, and applying DBT skills in daily life often requires continued practice, refinement, and support. That’s where the Graduate DBT Class comes in. Designed for individuals who have already completed core modules such as Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Mindfulness, this class provides an advanced space to strengthen and integrate those skills while exploring new ways to apply them to life’s challenges.

Rather than revisiting the basics, this program focuses on deepening understanding, practicing with real-world scenarios, and building the resilience needed to maintain progress. It is both a continuation of learning and an opportunity to transform skills into lasting traits that support long-term emotional health and stronger relationships.

For those new to DBT, our skills classes overview provides a foundation for beginning this journey before progressing to the graduate level.

What Is the Graduate DBT Class?

The Graduate DBT Class is a structured group designed for those who have completed the foundational phases of DBT and are ready to take their learning further. Unlike introductory skills classes, this group is not about starting from scratch—it’s about strengthening mastery and making DBT skills second nature.

Participants meet weekly in a supportive and collaborative environment, guided by a skilled facilitator who combines teaching, mentorship, and interactive activities. Sessions balance reviewing key DBT principles with applying them to advanced, real-life contexts, ensuring participants leave with strategies that feel relevant and practical.

This next-level group is about bridging the gap between knowing the skills and fully living them. To learn more about our broader mission and programs, visit the Oakland DBT Center.

Who Is This Program For?

The Graduate DBT Class is ideal for:

  • DBT graduates who want continued guidance to refine their skills.
  • Individuals facing ongoing challenges in managing emotions, relationships, or stress, even after completing DBT training.
  • Those seeking community support, where peers share similar journeys of growth and self-improvement.
  • Clients want accountability to maintain momentum and avoid slipping back into old patterns.


For parents interested in learning alongside their children, our Parents’ Skills Classes offer tools for navigating family challenges while reinforcing DBT principles at home.

Why Continue After Core DBT Skills?

Completing a DBT program is an achievement, but the process of emotional growth often benefits from reinforcement. Daily life brings complex challenges—conflict at work, family stress, transitions, or lingering emotional triggers—that can test even well-learned skills.

The Graduate DBT Class supports participants in:

  • Deepening mastery: Moving beyond surface-level understanding into more nuanced application.
  • Building confidence: Practicing skills repeatedly until they feel natural.
  • Preventing relapse: Staying grounded in healthy coping strategies during stressful times.
  • Enhancing relationships: Applying DBT tools to more complex interpersonal dynamics.
  • Sustaining progress: Creating a long-term plan for continued emotional well-being.


Those who are just beginning their learning may find our Adult DBT Skills Classes a strong first step before advancing into the graduate program.

Structure and Format of the Graduate DBT Class

Graduate DBT Class at Oakland DBT Center group session
Advanced DBT learning in a supportive environment

The group typically meets once a week for 90 minutes over a 6-week module. Each session is structured to balance review, practice, and integration:

Check-In and Mindfulness Practice

  • Sessions begin with mindfulness to ground participants and set the tone.
  • This creates a calm and focused environment, reinforcing mindfulness as an ongoing practice.

Review of Core Skills

  • Facilitators highlight key principles from DBT modules—emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—showing how they apply to real-world challenges.

Interactive Learning and Application

  • Participants engage in discussions, roleplays, and exercises designed to apply DBT concepts to complex situations.
  • Examples include managing conflict at work, handling family stress, or staying grounded during high-emotion situations.

Advanced Exploration

  • The class builds on core skills, adding more depth and introducing strategies for applying them flexibly in diverse life contexts.

Integration and Action Planning

  • Each session concludes with reflection and personalized strategies to bring insights into daily life.


For young people seeking developmentally tailored support, our Young Adult DBT Classes serve as a stepping stone before transitioning into more advanced, graduate-level learning.

Key Benefits of the Graduate DBT Class

1. Reinforcement of Core Skills

Repetition strengthens mastery. Revisiting the skills in a new context helps participants integrate them more fully into daily life.

2. Advanced Application

Beyond learning “how” to use skills, the class focuses on “when” and “why.” This deeper exploration enhances flexibility and resilience.

3. Supportive Community

The group dynamic fosters encouragement, validation, and shared growth. Participants learn from one another’s experiences, challenges, and successes.

4. Ongoing Accountability

Having weekly sessions provides structure and motivation, making it easier to stay consistent in using skills.

5. Emotional Resilience

By practicing in varied contexts, participants build stronger coping mechanisms and develop confidence in managing complex emotional situations.

Core Areas of Focus

While every group adapts to the needs of participants, the Graduate DBT Class often emphasizes:

  • Mindfulness Practice: Strengthening present-moment awareness in more advanced forms.
  • Emotion Regulation: Deepening strategies for identifying, naming, and balancing emotions.
  • Distress Tolerance: Applying skills during prolonged or high-stakes challenges.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Managing relationships with greater skill, empathy, and confidence.
  • Self-Compassion and Validation: Learning to support yourself as you continue growing.

How the Graduate DBT Class Differs From Introductory Groups

Introductory DBT groups are educational—they focus on teaching the skills for the first time. The graduate group is experiential—it emphasizes practice, application, and integration.

Think of it as moving from learning the steps of a dance to being able to improvise with confidence. The focus shifts from memorizing skills to embodying them naturally in daily life.

Integration Into Everyday Life

A unique feature of the Graduate DBT Class is its emphasis on real-world application. Participants are encouraged to bring current life situations into the group, whether they involve conflicts at work, challenges with family, or personal goals. Facilitators help tailor DBT strategies to these scenarios, making the learning immediately relevant.

This applied focus helps participants feel more confident in navigating challenges outside the therapy setting and ensures the skills remain useful long after the group ends.

The Role of the Facilitator

Facilitators in the Graduate DBT Class are not just instructors—they are guides, mentors, and collaborators. With deep training in DBT and extensive clinical experience, they:

  • Provide clear explanations and context.
  • Offer personalized feedback during practice exercises.
  • Create a validating and supportive environment.
  • Encourage accountability while fostering compassion.


The guidance of an experienced facilitator helps participants stretch their skills while feeling safe and supported.

Who Should Enroll in the Graduate DBT Program?

Graduate DBT Class at Oakland DBT Center online group
Building resilience through advanced DBT learning

This class is best suited for individuals who have:

  • Completed foundational DBT modules.
  • A desire to continue practicing and integrating DBT into everyday life.
  • Motivation to engage in group discussions and activities.
  • A dedication to personal growth and emotional health.


It is not intended as a replacement for initial DBT training but as a continuation for those who want to deepen and sustain their progress.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is straightforward:

  • Contact the center for upcoming schedules.
  • Review eligibility (completion of DBT modules).
  • Register for the next available 6-week group.


Spaces are limited to keep an intimate and supportive group dynamic, so early enrollment is highly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Graduate DBT Class at Oakland DBT Center offers more than just continued learning—it provides a supportive and engaging environment to strengthen emotional resilience, improve relationships, and build confidence in applying DBT skills. By moving beyond the basics into advanced applications, participants can transform what they’ve learned into lasting traits that support long-term well-being.

For those committed to deepening their growth, this class represents the next step in the journey toward greater balance, stability, and fulfillment. To learn more or reserve your place in the next session, contact us today.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)

Do I need to complete all DBT modules before joining?

Yes, participants should have completed core DBT skills such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

How long does the program run?

Typically, the class runs in 6-week modules, with weekly 90-minute sessions.

Is the group online or in-person?

Currently, sessions are held virtually, making them accessible from anywhere.

What if I miss a session?

It’s best to attend consistently, but facilitators provide support to help you stay engaged if you miss a week.

How is this class different from therapy?

While therapeutic, this class focuses on practicing and applying DBT skills rather than one-on-one

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Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan was born in India and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT, Madras. After spending a few youthful years in the Masters/Ph.D. program at the Ohio State University moved to the Bay Area for work. Since then he has stayed in the Bay Area and worked in tech for the better part of 20+ years. He has been with the center since its inception playing a key advisory role on tech related matters.

He enjoys living in the bay area with his family, exploring the outdoors in California and the world at large. While interests change over time some constants through the years have been travel, cooking, painting and board games. Lately all his spare time has been consumed by pickleball.

David Pepper

David Pepper, MD (Retired)

Dr. Pepper was born in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley and then Medical and Graduate School in Iowa. Returning to California, he practiced and taught full spectrum Family Medicine with UCSF for 30+ years, working in Fresno, San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties. 1,000 births and 1,000 deaths one could say – with thousands of Families in between… in the ER, Hospital and Outpatient Clinics – always with a focus on Family and Community.
 
He has a long interest in Psychedelics and completed the CPTR program through CIIS in 2023. He is passionate about helping people think about how to craft their second half of life with meaning, including planning for a natural End of Life process that is not over medicalized.  He believes that a well planned End of Life allows people to live well.  More about his work can be found here.  
 
He brings his expertise in clinical assessment, and the tools that support this to working with the Team at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center to develop best practices for working with clients seeking expanded state treatment.  He collaborates with his wife who also works with clients in Expanded States.  He enjoys his 4 children, gardening, hiking, and community.
Rochelle

Rochelle Frank, PsyD

Rochelle Frank, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Oakland, CA with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Frank earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at Syracuse University and completed her clinical training at Yale Psychiatric Institute. She specializes in evidence-based transdiagnostic treatment of  complex and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders in adults and adolescents, and related  problems in high-conflict couples and families. 

In addition to her private practice Dr.  Frank is an assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and also  holds faculty and supervisory appointments at The Wright Institute and the University of California San  Francisco School of Medicine.  She is co-author of The transdiagnostic road map to case formulation and  treatment planning: Practical guidance for clinical decision making (Frank & Davidson, 2014; New Harbinger),  a contributing author to S. G. Hofmann & S. C. Hayes (Eds.), Beyond the DSM (2020, New Harbinger), and  currently serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Better Health.

Dr. Frank has been involved with Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center since 2012.  She has served as a clinical consultant and focuses on helping the Team bring a transdiagnostic process-based perspective to case formulation and treatment planning, as well as integrating methods from other third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies into the DBT model.  

In addition to enjoying time with her family, Dr.  Frank is an avid golfer, home chef, and a frequent beta-tester of her clinical skills while skiing and mountain biking.

Michael Stanger

Michael Stanger, MD

I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in California and Colorado across a range of settings – inpatient, outpatient, emergency and partial hospital, with current affiliations at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Boulder Community Health.

I have a particular interest in the therapeutic utility of ketamine to support psychotherapy. I began working with ketamine in 2016, initially in my California private practice where I administered oral and intramuscular doses. I have since continued to support therapist access and to develop understanding around the most effective use of these modality. In related work, I have mentored with the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and taught sessions with the Polaris Insight Center on ketamine.

My background includes childhood immigration from South Africa to New York, working in the technology industry for several years and then traveling in an unscripted manner to arrive at the awareness that medicine, and ultimately psychiatry would be the path to be helpful to others in an applied way.

Chrysanthe

Chrysanthe Christodoulou

Operations Manager

Chrysanthe is our Operations Manager and one of our in-house Mindfulness Experts. She connects with new clients as they come into the Center, oversees day to day operations and runs special projects.  She is instrumental in supporting the Team by bringing joy, flow and ease.

Chrysanthe studied Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness with some of the most respected teachers of our time. She also holds a BS in Economics.  This combination of skills ensures our Center runs efficiently behind the scenes and lends wisdom to our budding Mindfulness Program.

Her local teaching career has spanned the Bay Area and beyond: overseas in Spain, Chile, Greece, and Amsterdam; and locally in San Francisco, Marin, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Chrysanthe honors the magic in both movement and stillness, stirring energy and witnessing what emerges as everything settles into place. 

When Chrysanthe isn’t handling the business end of the Center or running mindfulness programming, you can find her exploring trails with her wolf pup, finding connection in community, and enjoying the sun and the sea.

Priya Jogia

Priya Jogia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

​​Priya Jogia is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Since 2013, she has worked in various clinical settings including: community mental health, hospital, and outpatient programs. Priya’s also spent time in Vietnam studying international social work and the relationship between culture, ethnicity, and mental health.

Priya is an active practitioner of mindfulness-based behavioral therapies including DBT and ACT, and has extensive training in CBT. As a DBT therapist, she’s seen the positive impact of using DBT skills in her own life, and is strongly committed to helping clients live meaningful lives that are aligned with their values.

Priya has an interest in perinatal mental health and working with BIPOC populations, and she strives to integrate a social and racial justice lens into her work. While being a therapist has brought a lot of meaning to Priya’s life, she tries not to take herself too seriously, and gets much joy from being a mum, being in nature, and cuddling with her dog.

Jay Indik

Jay Indik

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jay brings his compassion, creativity, and equanimity to support each person who seeks therapy.. He believes that what makes each person happy is connected to their deepest sense of what is important. Jay listens for how each client can idiosyncratically transform their suffering into a happier life. As a result of working with Jay folks’ learn to address unwanted behavior, regulate their emotions, recover from individual or cultural trauma, repair relationships, and organize their behavior consistent with their values Jay has intensive training and has practiced the following modalities for decades: DBT, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Modulation, Psychodynamic Treatment and Expressive Arts Therapies. Jay specializes in working with couples, parents, parent child dyads and young adults, as well as with individuals from mid-life through retirement. Jay’s experience as a theater director, parent, teacher, and executive combined with his knowledge of research validated treatments allows him to best relate and serve each individual.

Jay has two adult children (one daughter, one non-binary), a “Real Dads Love Trans kids” t-shirt, and one amazing grandchild he watches one day a week.

Ari Tavano

Ariana Tavano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ari Tavano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She has worked in an array of clinical settings for over ten years, and utilizes the diversity of her experience to foster a therapeutic frame rooted in curiosity and empathic regard. She specializes in working with those looking to cultivate self-growth, increase interpersonal efficacy, and develop an affirming relationship with their internal worlds.

Ari extends a humanistic approach to her work by nourishing the whole self – according to one’s intersectionality and inherent wisdom. She is trained in DBT and other treatment modalities, including CBT, Existentialism, and Trauma Theory. She harmonizes the concepts of behaviorism and intuitiveness of relational healing, with opportunities to explore psychedelics and expanded-state work.

Ari invites you to build capacity for both processing and playfulness. She prioritizes humor and is often found in the ocean, on the dance floor, and imagining her next adventure. Ari has also worked as a licensed public school teacher in Hawai’i and documentary photographer in South Africa. She is committed to equity, inclusion, and the pursuit of social justice.

Alyson Barry

Alyson Barry, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Alyson Barry is a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD). Since 2005, she’s gained experience in diverse areas of practice, including inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private practice. Alyson came to DBT in 2013 through her own yoga and meditation practice, which led her to seek additional training in mindfulness-based therapies. Drawn to work with people who’ve experienced developmental trauma, she begins by addressing what’s happening in the present, helping her clients develop practical skills that fundamentally improve how they interact with themselves and the world around them. As a result of this work, this can over time, set the stage for healing the older wounds. She believes in a collaborative and consent-based treatment approach, working to ensure that clients understand and are in agreement with any diagnosis or therapeutic technique. She hopes that this transparency can help to create an environment of respect for her clients’ choice, autonomy, and knowledge of themselves. She is also a big believer in bringing humor and irreverence into therapy. In her free time, Alyson enjoys snorkeling, hanging out with her cat, and spending time with friends. Alyson is available to work via telehealth with clients in California, Colorado, and Florida.
Heather Macbeth

Heather Macbeth

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Heather co-founded the Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center in 2012. She is a licensed MFT. She offers a relational, somatic, experiential and humanistic approach to her work and is committed to relieving psychological suffering. Her style is both compassionate and gentle as well as directive and aims to be supportive of each person’s unique needs. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, changing persistent cycles of self-blame, listening more closely to intuitive knowing and increasing self compassion. She is committed and dedicated to helping her clients have a life where they can find themselves thrive vs. just survive. Working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, skills group and workshop facilitator has brought her a lot of joy. In addition to a private practice setting she has worked in community mental health organizations with disenfranchised youth and families and in public schools as a Behavioral Specialist. Heather works with adults and teens. She is intensively trained in DBT and other treatment modalities such as; Gestalt, Psychodynamic, MBSR, ands Expressive Arts. She is certified in EAP (Equine-assisted psychotherapy) and offers equine-facilitated learning workshops in the Bay Area. Additionally, she has received her training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through the Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco and is inspired by the potential healing benefits of expanded states of consciousness work.

In her free time, and in ideal worlds, she is exploring jungles, hot springs, beaches, hanging out with animals (large and small), enjoying good food, travel and most importantly time with loved ones.

Christine Benvenuto

Christine Benvenuto

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Christine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. She brings over 25 years of experience in mental health to her work, with a background in working with people in all walks of life in residential, outpatient and home based settings. A systems thinker, valuing sustaining relationships, she works with individuals, couples and groups, with a strong belief that small shifts can create dynamic changes.

She blends a lifetime of interest and practice in somatics, meditation, embodiment, psychedelics and the arts with a passion for social justice, nature and thriving ecosystems. Her mentors are psychologically savvy, center co-existence, value differences and maintain a sense of humor.

Her professional training spans from depth oriented, expanded state and attachment based to behavioral styles of treatment. She co-creates a therapeutic container that feels collaborative, warm, dynamic, thoughtful and deeply resonant.

She works with individuals, couples and groups, offering ongoing weekly therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Consultation.

Along side of her professional life, Christine is grateful for her extended web of relationships as daughter, sister, wife, friend, step-mom and community connector.