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
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?
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