When Rachel’s psychiatrist first suggested she join a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) group, her response was a firm “no.” Group therapy felt intimidating. The idea of opening up to strangers about her struggles was daunting. Like many people, Rachel felt more comfortable keeping things private. But after a year of doing individual therapy, something began to shift.
“I found myself reconsidering when my psychiatrist raised the topic again,” Rachel shared. “This time, the possibility of gaining skills to support my mental well-being and recovery felt compelling.”
Rachel decided to give DBT Group Therapy a try.
She remembers how nervous she was walking into that first session. “I was full of anxiety,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I’d be expected to share a lot about my past right away.”
But that wasn’t the case at all.
Compassionate Support Leads to Healing
Brandy, the group’s facilitator at Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center, made it clear from the beginning: this group was focused on learning practical skills to support mental health, not on diving into personal trauma. “This reassurance eased my anxiety about having to overshare and allowed me to focus on listening and learning,” she said.
As the sessions continued, Rachel began to notice changes. “Hearing others share their experiences has fostered a sense of connection and reduced my feelings of isolation.”
Brandy helped create a space where people could be honest without fear of judgment. She shared her own experiences with DBT skills and encouraged everyone to find what worked best for them. That kind of compassionate leadership helped Rachel build confidence in her own healing process.
“Now, after five sessions, I’m genuinely impressed by the effectiveness of the group’s interactions and the DBT skills themselves,” she said.
Our DBT group is designed to help people learn how to stay calm during tough moments, how to set boundaries, and how to show self-compassion. But, more than anything, it’s about community connection and learning that you don’t have to do this alone.
For Rachel, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the DBT skills. It was the connection. “Our sessions encompass a range of emotions- sometimes we laugh, sometimes we reflect deeply- but we are always met with respect and acceptance,” she explained. Looking back, Rachel says she never anticipated saying any of this, but she’s glad she took the first step toward healing. “I’m truly grateful that I took a chance, confronted my apprehension, and joined this group. It has proven to be incredibly beneficial,” she said.
Explore Our DBT Groups At Montana Psychiatry
If Rachel’s story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but it might also be the beginning of something truly healing. DBT group offers a compassionate, practical space to learn, grow, and feel supported.
You don’t have to face things alone. Like Rachel, you might just find that DBT group is exactly what you need. Reach out to our compassionate team today to take the first step.
You can learn more about DBT and other therapy options by visiting https://mtpsychiatry.com/individual-therapy/ group.