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DBT Group NYC

DBT In-Person Group Therapy in
Downtown Manhattan

Our in-person DBT skills group in Downtown Manhattan meets weekly for structured training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Groups are led by trained DBT therapists and limited to 8-10 participants.

Our in-person DBT Group in Downtown Manhattan presents a beacon of hope for those experiencing emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety, or depression. This form of group therapy rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), offers a refuge within New York City for participants to connect with others facing similar challenges. DBT Group NYC is a space where personal experiences are shared, promoting a deep bond among participants while also paving the way for mutual growth and healing.

Within the nurturing confines of these groups, facilitated by skilled therapists, participants find their voices amplified and their experiences validated. The journey of therapy in a community-focused setting ensures that every member leaves feeling more valued, understood, and in harmony with their inner self. The Counseling Center of New York stands as a pillar for those seeking DBT group therapy in NYC, affirming its commitment to supporting individuals across all of life’s stages.

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What to Expect in Our Sessions

Our weekly DBT skills groups meet for 90-minutes sessions. We structure this time to ensure you learn and practice the curriculum without feeling rushed.

Every session follows a clear, three-part format:

  • First 10 minutes: We open with a guided mindfulness exercise to center the group.
  • Next 20 minutes: We review the weekly homework assignment and troubleshoot any challenges you faced when applying the skills in real life.
  • Final 60 minutes: We actively teach a new behavioral skill and map out concrete ways to practice it before the next meeting.

You will receive a homework assignment at the end of every group session. Expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes a day during the week practicing these behavioral strategies.

DBT Group Schedule & Logistics

Group Therapy NYC

We host our weekly in-person DBT skills groups at our Downtown Manhattan office, located at 296 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012. The office is a 3-8 minute walk from the 6 train (Bleecker St.), the B/D/F trains (Broadway-Lafayette), and the R/W trains (Prince St.).

Schedule & Timing

  • Weekly Meetings: Our groups typically meet on weekday evenings. Contact us for the current schedule.
  • Program Duration: The complete DBT skills curriculum runs for a 24-week cycle. Because we use an open enrollment format, you can join our groups at the beginning of any new skills module if a spot is open.

Group Size & Environment

Every group is co-led by two of our trained DBT therapists and capped at 8-10 participants per session – intentionally small to keep sessions focused and highly interactive.

Cost & Registration

Session cost varies with some groups offering sliding scale. Contact us to check current pricing, current openings, and to register. 

DBT Group NYC Explained

DBT skills group is a structured form of group therapy that focuses on teaching participants specific behavioral skills derived from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT itself is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy and is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense emotions and struggle with behaviors such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and emotional dysregulation. DBT group NYC is grounded in the concept of dialectics, which emphasizes balancing acceptance and change.

The DBT skills group is one of the four key components of comprehensive DBT, alongside individual therapy, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams.

These DBT groups are led by trained therapists at the Counseling Center of New York and meet regularly for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 2 hours per session. The curriculum is divided into modules focusing on four main areas:

  • Mindfulness: Teaches participants how to live in the moment and develop an awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a non-judgmental way. 
  • Distress Tolerance: Focuses on increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it. 
  • Emotion Regulation: Aims to teach participants strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in their lives. 
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Focuses on increasing interpersonal skills, such as asking for one’s needs, saying no, and managing conflicts in relationships, all while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.

The goal of DBT Group NYC is to provide individuals with practical tools to manage their emotions, navigate their relationships, and handle stress more healthily. 

Who Leads Our DBT Skills Group

Two of our intensively DBT-trained therapists, trained through the Behavioral Tech Institute, the organization founded by DBT creator Marsha Linehan, co-facilitate each weekly session to provide balanced support and expert guidance.

  • Eleanor Cummins, LMSW: Eleanor graduated from the Columbia University School of Social Work, completing her specialized DBT training in collaboration with the Behavioral Tech Institute. She focuses on providing identity-affirming, culturally sensitive care to help group members manage anxiety and intense emotional dysregulation.
  • Joe DeBonis, LMSW: Joe earned a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University, where he was a member of the DBT Training Program and Lab through the Behavioral Tech Institute.  Bringing a background in high-pressure corporate environments, he uses an authentic, candid approach to help professionals and students build concrete behavioral skills.

Eleanor and Joe have been running their DBT Skills Group weekly since the beginning of October 2025. Eleanor also leads a weekly virtual DBT skills group, and Joe leads a virtual biweekly DBT Grad group. Together, Eleanor and Joe both led weekly skills groups as interns from Oct 2024 – May 2025.

Advantages of DBT Group NYC

DBT Group therapy in NYC represents a path to recovery and personal development within a nurturing group environment. Joining a DBT group offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking to improve their emotional and psychological well-being.

 Here are some key advantages:

  • Learning Effective Coping Strategies: Participants acquire a comprehensive set of skills for managing stress, regulating emotions, and coping with distressing situations in a healthier way.
  • Enhanced Emotional Regulation: The group setting provides tools and techniques to help individuals understand and control their emotions, leading to reduced emotional changes and improved mood stability.
  • Improved Interpersonal Relationships: DBT skills groups teach communication strategies, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills, which can enhance personal and professional relationships.
  • Reduced Vulnerability to Negative Emotions: Participants develop skills to decrease their emotional sensitivity and vulnerability, helping them react less intensely to situations that would typically provoke strong emotional responses.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: Through mastery of DBT skills and supportive feedback from the group, individuals often experience an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Participants learn mindfulness techniques that enhance self-awareness and promote present-moment focus, contributing to overall mental health and well-being.
  • Distress Tolerance: Individuals learn to tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors, thereby building resilience.
  • Goal Setting & Achievement: DBT groups help participants set realistic goals and develop the discipline to achieve them, enhancing personal growth and life satisfaction.

By joining a DBT skills group at the Counseling Center of New York, individuals gain access to a structured program that teaches valuable life skills and provides a supportive environment to practice and refine these skills.

Who Can Benefit from DBT Skills Group NYC

DBT Skills Group NYC is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those who are experiencing emotional dysregulation, intense emotional responses, and problematic behavioral patterns. Individuals who struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often find DBT particularly beneficial, as it addresses the core symptoms of emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties that are commonly experienced in BPD.

Moreover, DBT Skills Group NYC can be advantageous for individuals coping with other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The skills taught in these groups are valuable for anyone seeking to improve their emotional and mental well-being.

Individuals who experience chronic feelings of emptiness, anger management issues, and suicidal ideation can also benefit from DBT Skills Group NYC. The Counseling Center of New York offers a structured environment where participants can learn practical skills to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

What to Expect During DBT Skills Group NYC

During a DBT Skills Group NYC at the Counseling Center of New York, participants can expect a structured and supportive environment where they learn and practice DBT skills. Sessions are typically led by experienced therapists who guide the group through the four core modules of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Each session involves a combination of teaching, discussion, and practical exercises designed to help participants apply these skills in their daily lives. The group setting allows for interaction with others who share similar challenges, providing an opportunity for mutual support and learning.

Participants should expect to commit to regular attendance and to engage actively in the group process to gain the most benefit from the DBT Skills Group NYC experience.

Differences between DBT Therapy & DBT Skills Group

Individual DBT therapy and a DBT Skills Group NYC serve different but complementary functions in the overall Dialectical Behavior Therapy framework.

Individual DBT therapy is a one-on-one treatment between a therapist and a client. In these sessions, the therapist and the client work closely to apply DBT principles to personal life challenges, focusing on the client’s specific needs and circumstances. The therapist helps the client to develop coping mechanisms, understand their behavioral patterns, and implement the skills learned in therapy to real-life situations. The individual therapy component of DBT is crucial for personalized treatment planning and in-depth exploration of personal issues.

DBT Skills Group on the other hand is a group setting where participants learn and practice DBT skills together. These groups are typically led by one or more therapists who teach skills from the four main modules of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT Skills Group NYC provides a structured learning environment where participants can practice these skills through exercises and group discussions. It offers a supportive community where individuals can share experiences and learn from each other, enhancing their understanding and application of DBT skills in everyday life.

While individual DBT therapy focuses on personalized therapeutic interventions and in-depth personal exploration, DBT Skills Group NYC emphasizes structured skill development and peer support within a group setting. Both elements are integral to the comprehensive DBT approach, offering a holistic treatment that addresses both individual and group-based learning and growth.

What Else Should I Know About DBT Skills Groups in NYC?

Session cost varies with some groups offering sliding scale. Contact us to check current pricing, current openings, and to register

We are an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance directly. We provide monthly superbills (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

DBT Skills Group NYC is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those who are experiencing emotional dysregulation, intense emotional responses, and problematic behavioral patterns. Individuals who struggle with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often find DBT particularly beneficial, as it addresses the core symptoms of emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties that are commonly experienced in BPD.

Moreover, DBT Skills Group NYC can be advantageous for individuals coping with other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The skills taught in these groups are valuable for anyone seeking to improve their emotional and mental well-being.

Individuals who experience chronic feelings of emptiness, anger management issues, and suicidal ideation can also benefit from DBT Skills Group NYC. The Counseling Center of New York offers a structured environment where participants can learn practical skills to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and navigate life's challenges more effectively.

During a DBT Skills Group NYC at the Counseling Center of New York, participants can expect a structured and supportive environment where they learn and practice DBT skills. Sessions are typically led by experienced therapists who guide the group through the four core modules of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Each session involves a combination of teaching, discussion, and practical exercises designed to help participants apply these skills in their daily lives. The group setting allows for interaction with others who share similar challenges, providing an opportunity for mutual support and learning. Participants should expect to commit to regular attendance and to engage actively in the group process to gain the most benefit from the DBT Skills Group NYC experience.

Yes. To join our skills group, you must concurrently work with an individual therapist. This can be a therapist within our practice or an outside provider who supports your DBT goals.

Yes. Our groups use an open enrollment format that welcomes beginners. We introduce skills dynamically, allowing you to start learning at the beginning of any new 6-week module.

Regular group therapy focuses on sharing feelings and processing past experiences. A DBT skills group functions like a class where we actively teach you concrete behavioral strategies to manage emotions and improve relationships.

The full DBT skills curriculum runs for approximately 24 weeks. This timeframe allows us to cover all four core modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Because our groups rely on consistent attendance and limited sizes, you are responsible for the weekly fee even if you miss a session. Your therapist will provide any missed handouts at your next group.

Individual DBT therapy and a DBT Skills Group NYC serve different but complementary functions in the overall Dialectical Behavior Therapy framework.

Individual DBT therapy is a one-on-one treatment between a therapist and a client. In these sessions, the therapist and the client work closely to apply DBT principles to personal life challenges, focusing on the client's specific needs and circumstances. The therapist helps the client to develop coping mechanisms, understand their behavioral patterns, and implement the skills learned in therapy to real-life situations. The individual therapy component of DBT is crucial for personalized treatment planning and in-depth exploration of personal issues.

DBT Skills Group NYC on the other hand is a group setting where participants learn and practice DBT skills together. These groups are typically led by one or more therapists who teach skills from the four main modules of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT Skills Group NYC provides a structured learning environment where participants can practice these skills through exercises and group discussions. It offers a supportive community where individuals can share experiences and learn from each other, enhancing their understanding and application of DBT skills in everyday life.

While individual DBT therapy focuses on personalized therapeutic interventions and in-depth personal exploration, DBT Skills Group NYC emphasizes structured skill development and peer support within a group setting. Both elements are integral to the comprehensive DBT approach, offering a holistic treatment that addresses both individual and group-based learning and growth.

Joining our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills group is a straightforward, supportive process:

  1. Submit an Inquiry: Fill out our quick online contact form or call our intake team to express interest in our adult, young adult, or adolescent DBT groups.

  2. Initial Screening: We will schedule a brief clinical screening to understand your goals and ensure the group is a good fit for your needs.

  3. Establish Individual Therapy: For clinical safety and effectiveness, all group members must be enrolled in concurrent weekly individual therapy. If you do not have an individual therapist, we can match you with one at CCG.

  4. Get Placed in a Group: Once confirmed, we will place you in an active or upcoming weekly group cycle (available in person or via telehealth) and provide your DBT training materials.

Explore Additional Counseling & Therapy Groups

At the Counseling Center of New York, we recognize that individual therapy might not be suited for everyone. With that in mind, we offer a range of weekly group therapy sessions in NYC, designed to facilitate connection and development in a shared setting.

Advanced DBT
Group Therapy

In a Advanced DBT skills group, clients will learn and practice DBT tools to improve their ability to solve problems, cope with crises, manage interpersonal conflicts, and set and achieve goals in various areas of their lives. Together, clients will learn the theory and skills of DBT in an experiential way that helps to integrate these principles into their everyday.

Process
Group Therapy

Process groups are an effective form of therapy that can help individuals make positive changes in their lives. They provide a safe and supportive space for members to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. During a process group, members explore their relationships to themselves, others, and the world around them.

Mindfulness
Group Therapy

Mindfulness groups are groups that focus on teaching mindfulness techniques and practices to individuals. Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. Through the use of mindful breathing, visualization, and body scan exercises, participants can learn to be present in the moment.

Addiction Recovery
Group Therapy

Our DBT-Informed Recovery Group is an Evidence-Based treatment that effectively treats Substance Abuse/other Process Addictions while simultaneously addressing other complex problems related to emotion dysregulation.

Eating Disorder Recovery
Group Therapy

Eating disorder recovery groups are groups that provide support and guidance to individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder or who are in recovery from an eating disorder.

Emotion Fitness Program
Group Therapy

Emotion fitness program groups are groups that focus on teaching individuals techniques and strategies for managing and regulating their emotions. These groups are led by trained counselors.

Peers
Group Therapy

Peer groups are groups of people who come together to support each other and share experiences and challenges. They can be helpful in providing a sense of belonging and connection, as well as a source of advice and guidance. Peer groups can provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where people can openly express their feelings and thoughts. 

The Professional Series
Group Therapy

Professional Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups are a type of therapy group that is led by a trained and experienced DBT therapist. They are designed to help individuals learn and practice the skills taught in DBT. In a professional DBT group, members are expected to share their experiences and provide support for each other.

Parent-Child Interaction
Group Therapy

Parent-Child Interaction Group Therapy (PCIT) is a type of therapy that focuses on improving the relationship between parents and their children. PCIT focuses on teaching parents positive discipline strategies, improving communication between parent and child, and helping each parent understand the child’s behavior.

Book a Session Today For DBT Group Therapy in NYC

You’re not meant to face your struggles by yourself. Embarking on a path to self-improvement becomes even more meaningful when it’s a shared experience. 

Participating in DBT group NYC could unlock the door to surmounting your mental health hurdles and embracing a more rewarding life. Begin your journey now!