What is DBT Mindfulness? Mindfulness Skills Group Spotlight

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by stress, emotional pain, and reactivity. Our DBT Mindfulness Skills Group offers a structured, evidence-based approach to help you slow down, tune in, and respond more skillfully to life’s challenges.

What Is DBT Mindfulness?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a research-backed therapeutic model that combines acceptance and change strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce suffering. Mindfulness is the foundational skill in DBT, teaching you to stay present, observe your internal experiences without judgment, and act with awareness. 

In this group, we focus on the core mindfulness skills: 

  • Observe: Notice your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without trying to change them.
  • Describe: Put words to your experiences to gain clarity and insight.
  • Participate: Fully engage in the present moment with openness and curiosity.
  • Non-judgmentally: Let go of evaluations and accept experiences as they are.
  • One-mindfully: Focus on one thing at a time to enhance effectiveness.
  • Effectively: Do what works, aligning actions with your goals and values.

Who Should Join?

This group is designed for adults who struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, or mood swings; feel overwhelmed by stress or interpersonal conflicts; or simply seek to develop greater self-awareness and resilience. No prior mindfulness experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and grow within a supportive community.

What to Expect

Each weekly session includes a guided mindfulness practice to help center and ground participants, followed by teaching of specific DBT mindfulness skills. Group discussions offer a space to explore personal experiences and insights, while practical exercises encourage applying new skills in daily life.

Benefits of Joining

Participants often report:

  • Increased emotional awareness and regulation.
  • Reduced impulsivity and reactivity.
  • Enhanced ability to cope with stress and distress.
  • Improved relationships through better communication and presence.
  • More frequent experiences of connectedness to others and self 

About the Facilitator

Betsy Klinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Clinical Supervisor at E Street House, leads the DBT Mindfulness Skills Group. She brings extensive experience providing individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents and adults.

Betsy holds degrees from Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Denver, and has worked in residential treatment centers, private practice, and outpatient clinics. She specializes in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and life transitions, integrating Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her approach. Her passion lies in empowering clients with practical tools to enhance emotional regulation and overall well-being.

Call us at (415) 945-9870 or leave us a message through our contact form to learn more.

Introducing Our Weekly Therapy Group Spotlight: Emotion Regulation Skills

At Mind Therapy Clinic, we believe that healing happens in community. That’s why we offer a variety of therapy groups designed to provide support, connection, and practical skills for managing mental health challenges.

Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage anxiety, support for life transitions, or a space to connect with others who understand, our therapy groups offer a safe and welcoming environment to grow and heal. We’re kicking off this series this week with Emotion Regulation Skills Group!

Do you ever feel like your emotions control you, rather than the other way around? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with managing their emotions in a way that supports their well-being and relationships. The good news? Emotional regulation is a skill that can be learned—and we’re here to help.

Our Emotion Regulation Skills Group is designed to help individuals gain awareness of their emotions, understand how thoughts influence feelings, and develop effective strategies to manage emotions in daily life. This skill-building group fosters a supportive environment where participants can actively engage and grow.

Who is This Group For?

This group is ideal for adults who want to improve their emotional regulation skills. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, or find yourself reacting impulsively to emotions, this group will provide practical tools to navigate life with greater emotional stability.

What to Expect in a Session

Each session is interactive and encourages active participation. Clients will:

  • Explore how emotions influence thoughts and behaviors.
  • Learn how to identify what emotion you are feeling in a given moment 
  • Learn to differentiate between effective and ineffective regulation techniques.
  • Practice applying these strategies to real-life situations.
  • Share and reflect in a safe and supportive group setting.

This group is focused on skill-building and self-discovery, helping participants make meaningful changes in how they manage emotions.

Meet the Facilitator: Betsy Klinger, LPCC

Betsy Klinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Clinical Supervisor at E Street House, brings extensive experience in individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents and adults. With degrees from Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Denver, Betsy has worked across various therapeutic settings, including residential treatment, private practice, and outpatient clinics.

She specializes in working with PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and life transitions, integrating Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her work. Betsy’s passion lies in empowering clients with practical skills to enhance emotional regulation and overall mental well-being.

What Participants Have Experienced

Participants have reported a renewed confidence within themselves from joining the group. Many share that they’ve gained practical skills and a helpful perspective on managing everyday emotional challenges. They describe the group as a supportive space where real change becomes possible, empowering them to face life’s ups and downs with greater confidence.

Why Join?

By participating in this group, you will:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of your emotions.
  • Learn practical strategies to manage emotional ups and downs.
  • Improve relationships by responding rather than reacting to emotions.
  • Build confidence in handling life’s challenges with emotional balance.

If you’re ready to take control of your emotions and enhance your emotional well-being, this group is for you!

Interested? Reach out today to discuss joining the group. Call us at (415) 945-9870 or leave a message through our secure contact form.

Mindfulness in Action: The Power of Participation

Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting quietly and meditating—it’s about fully engaging in the present moment. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), one of the core mindfulness “What” skills is Participation. This skill is all about throwing yourself wholeheartedly into the activity at hand, whether it’s a conversation, a hobby, or even a routine task. Rather than staying on the sidelines of life, participation means being fully immersed in what you’re doing, without self-consciousness or hesitation.

Why is Participation Important?

Many of us go through life on autopilot, half-listening to conversations, multitasking during meetings, or thinking about what’s next instead of what’s now. Participation helps us break free from this pattern by fully engaging in the moment. It allows us to:

Experience life more fully – When we immerse ourselves in an activity, we create richer, more meaningful experiences. 

Improve emotional regulation – Being present reduces overthinking and helps us manage stress and anxiety. 

Strengthen relationships – People can tell when we’re truly engaged, which fosters deeper connections and trust. 

Increase joy and satisfaction – Participating fully, without fear of judgment, can make even mundane activities feel more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Fun Ways to Practice Participation

Practicing participation doesn’t have to feel like work! Here are a few creative and enjoyable ways to strengthen this skill:

1. Join Your Kids at the Playground

Instead of sitting on the sidelines while your kids play, try joining them! Climb, swing, or play a game of tag, and take note of your level of enjoyment when you participate versus when you sit out. Engaging fully in play can bring unexpected joy and connection.

2. Try an Improv Game

Improvisational games force you to stay in the moment and respond spontaneously. Play a quick round of “Yes, And…” with a friend, where you build on each other’s ideas without hesitation. This helps strengthen both participation and flexibility.

3. Cook Without Distractions

Next time you make a meal, put away your phone and focus entirely on the process—the smell of the ingredients, the texture of the food, and the sounds of cooking. Let yourself be fully engaged in the act of preparing and enjoying your meal.

4. Fully Engage in a Conversation to Combat Social Anxiety

Instead of being wrapped up in your own anxious thoughts during social interactions, try fully diving into a group conversation. Focus on what others are saying, ask questions, and actively listen. Take note of any changes in your anxiety levels when you fully engage versus when you withdraw.

Final Thoughts

Participation is about living life fully, without hesitation or self-doubt. By immersing yourself in each moment, you cultivate greater joy, presence, and connection. So, the next time you catch yourself holding back, take a deep breath and dive in—you might be surprised at how good it feels!