Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills

At times we find that our lives feel out of control or like we aren’t getting our needs met.  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides four categories of skills to attend to our needs more effectively: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance.  DBT skills groups are offered to help participants gain control over their lives by changing how they handle themselves in difficult situations and relationships.  By learning skills that adjust our behavior for the better, we give ourselves the best chance to meet our needs.  

DBT Skills Group Offerings: 

Purposeful Living: Using skills to improve behavior and relationships

  • These groups are kept small, under 10 members to a group, to facilitate skills training and interpersonal dialogue. These groups are supplemental to individual therapy, thus each group member will continue to work with their individual therapist during their time participating in group. People who are interested in group but do not have a current individual therapist can call to express their interest in attending group and receive referrals for individual therapy providers.

  • Skills groups are open to people 18 and over and are currently comprised of participants from various genders, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. DBT was originally developed to be a treatment protocol for people experiencing chronic suicidality and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder; however, research has has found DBT skills training to be effective for people experiencing a variety of distress and coping issues. These Purposeful Living groups are available to people with various clinical issues; there are no diagnostic requirements for participation.

  • Dr. LaBarge is the administrator for three Purposeful Living groups that are currently running and are accepting new members. Clients should contact Dr. LaBarge to discuss group options and interest.

  • Contact Dr. LaBarge at (352) 514-8165 or through the contact page of this website to schedule a group screen appointment

  • Printable DBT group pamphlet: Purposeful Living

Group Times

  • Tuesday Evenings from 5:30- 7 pm- facilitated by Dr. Donna LaBarge

  • Wednesday Mornings from 9- 10:30 am- facilitated by Dr. Jen Evans

  • Wednesday Afternoons from 4:30- 6 pm- facilitated by Dr. Donna LaBarge