
DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy
If you’re looking for a creative way to learn DBT skills in a group setting, DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy has you covered. We mix proven DBT tools with creative art activities in this unique spin on your typical DBT Skills group.
DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy
If you’re looking for a creative way to learn DBT skills in a group setting, DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy has you covered.
This DBT group therapy is designed specifically for adults who want to learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills in a supportive and creative environment. Combining traditional DBT techniques with the expressive power of art therapy, our sessions offer a unique opportunity for personal growth, emotional regulation, and building healthier relationships.
What to Expect:
- Interactive Learning: Each session will introduce core DBT skills such as distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness through engaging activities and discussions.
- Creative Expression: Art therapy projects will allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way, fostering self-discovery and healing.
- Supportive Environment: You’ll be part of a group of peers who understand and share similar challenges, providing mutual support and encouragement.
DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy Schedule
When: Mondays, 6:00-7:00 PM
Where: Monroeville Location
Dates: March 2, 2016 – April 20, 2026
Sessions: 8 weeks
Ages: Adults 18+
Join us to learn valuable skills, express yourself creatively, and connect with others in a safe and understanding space. Whether you’re new to DBT or looking to deepen your practice, our group offers a welcoming place to grow and thrive.
Group leader, Rachel Taylor, LPC, NBCC, has been creating and facilitating groups for adolescents and adults for the past 10 years. With her extensive experience, Rachel has developed a reputation for making DBT approachable and engaging—her groups consistently fill up because participants know they’re in for more than just skill-building. Rachel specializes in DBT and brings a creative, dynamic approach that makes learning these life-changing skills feel accessible and even fun.
This DBT Group Therapy offers a safe space for you to connect with like-minded peers and explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy Outline
Session 1 – Ice breakers / Distress Tolerance: TIPP Skills – Making Ice Packs Together
- Objective: Introduce participants to distress tolerance skills while fostering a sense of community through ice breaker activities.
- Activities: Participants will engage in ice breaker games to get to know each other. They will also learn TIPP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Relaxation) skills by making and using ice packs as a hands-on activity to manage distressing emotions.
Session 2 – SMART Goal Setting – Vision Boards / IMPROVE Skills
- Objective: Teach participants how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and introduce IMPROVE (Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Vacation, Encouragement) skills.
- Activities: Participants will create vision boards to visualize their goals and learn IMPROVE skills to enhance their emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Session 3 – Design Diary Cards / ACCEPTS Skills
- Objective: Help participants develop personalized diary cards to track their emotions and behaviors while learning ACCEPTS (Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, Sensations) skills.
- Activities: Participants will design and create their own diary cards and practice ACCEPTS skills through interactive exercises.
Session 4 – Emotional Regulation – Glitter Globes + PLEASE Skills
- Objective: Teach participants emotional regulation techniques using glitter globes and PLEASE (Treat Physical Illness, Balanced Eating, Avoid Mood-Altering Substances, Balanced Sleep, Get Exercise) skills.
- Activities: Participants will create glitter globes to use as calming tools and learn PLEASE skills to maintain their physical and emotional well-being.
Session 5 – Behavior Analysis Chain – Bracelets/Necklaces/Keychains – Sensory Element for Mindfulness
- Objective: Introduce participants to behavior analysis chains to understand and manage their behaviors, using the creation of sensory bracelets, necklaces, or keychains as a mindfulness tool.
- Activities: Participants will make sensory jewelry or keychains and learn how to use behavior analysis chains to identify triggers and responses in their daily lives.
Session 6 – Wise Mind – Parts of Self Mask Making
- Objective: Explore the concept of Wise Mind (the integration of Emotion Mind and Reasonable Mind) through creative mask-making with a Halloween theme.
- Activities: Participants will create masks representing different parts of themselves and discuss how to access their Wise Mind in challenging situations.
Session 7 – DEAR MAN / GIVE FAST – Role Plays
- Objective: Teach participants DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate) and GIVE FAST (Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy manner; Fair, Apologies, Stick to values, Truthful) skills through role-playing exercises.
- Activities: Participants will engage in role plays to practice and reinforce DEAR MAN and GIVE FAST skills in various interpersonal scenarios.
Session 8 – Apples to Apples Esque Review Game
- Objective: Review and reinforce the skills learned throughout the sessions in a fun and engaging way.
- Activities: Participants will play a game similar to Apples to Apples, using prompts related to the skills and concepts covered in the previous sessions. This will serve as a fun and interactive way to solidify their understanding and application of the skills.
Your DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy Counselor
DBT Group Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will this DBT Group Therapy be held?
A: This group will be held at our Monroeville location located at 2539 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville PA 15146.
Q: What day and time is the DBT Group Therapy?
A: Group sessions will take place Mondays from 6pm-7pm. Each group is 1 hour.
Q: How many weeks is DBT Group Therapy?
A: DBT Group Therapy is 8 weeks long.
Q: Can anyone join DBT Group Therapy?
A: Yes, this group is open to any adults (18+). You do not have to be in therapy at Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh to participate.
PLEASE NOTE: An intake is required with Rachel Taylor to ensure the group is a good fit.
Q: How many people will be in DBT Group Therapy?
A: It is limited to 12 participants.
Q: Does DBT Group Therapy accept health insurance?
A: Yes, we accept Aetna, Cigna, Evernorth, Highmark, and UPMC.
Q: What is the self-pay fee for DBT Group Therapy?
A: If you elect to self pay, the fee is $50 per session.
Q: Is an intake required for the DBT Group Therapy?
A: Yes, you first will meet with Rachel Taylor, LPC to see if you are a good fit for the group.
Q: Is DBT Group Therapy an open or closed group?
A: The group is open until the 5th week at which point it will close and no new members can join.
Q: Who is leading DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy?
A: The group will be led by Rachel Taylor, LPC, NBCC who has worked in the Mental Health field for over 18 years. Rachel has created and facilitated groups for adolescents and adults for the past 10 years.
Q: How do I sign up for DBT Group Therapy?
A: Please email info@counselingwellnesspgh.com or call 412-322-2129 ext. 3 if you are interested in joining the group.
Interested in Joining DBT Group Therapy with Art Therapy?
If you’re searching for DBT Group Therapy, fill out the form below or call us at 412-322-2129 x3 to get started.

