DBT Guided Self-Help
Self-study with a therapist — so you actually finish what you start.
If you know DBT skills could help… but weekly therapy or a full group isn’t realistic right now, this is your bridge.
DBT Skills Guided Self-Help gives you a clear learning path (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) plus monthly guidance sessions to keep you focused, motivated, and applying the skills to your real life.
This isn’t “read a book and hope.”
This is self-study with a therapist.
Quick Read (60 seconds)
You self-study DBT skills using a recommended workbook, with structured goals.
You get monthly guidance sessions to stay on track and tailor skills to your challenges.
Skills focus on the four DBT modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness.
After you book, we share a digital copy of the first chapter from one of the recommended books so you can start immediately.
Pricing depends on whether you’re also in our DBT Skills Groups and session length (details below).
Does any of this feel familiar?
Guided Self-Help is a great fit if:
- You want DBT skills, but weekly therapy isn’t doable right now.
- You’ve tried self-help before, but motivation fades after week 2.
- You don’t need “more insight.” You need follow-through.
- You want a therapist to help you apply DBT skills to your actual triggers (not just read about them).
- You prefer more privacy and flexibility than a group format.
Many people with BPD don’t just struggle with emotions—they struggle with trust: trust in their body, trust in relationships, trust that change is possible.
The missing piece in most self-help programs
Most self-help fails for one reason:
You’re trying to change your nervous system with motivation…
when what you really need is structure + accountability.
Guided Self-Help gives you:
a clear skills sequence
a therapist “pit stop” each month to keep you moving
a plan that adapts to your unique challenges (so you don’t get stuck)
Why we provide Guided Self-Help this way
Because DBT skills work best when you practice them in real life—and then troubleshoot what happened with someone who knows the model.
You’re not “on your own.”
You’re in charge, with support.
The three shifts that make change sustainable
Shift 1 — From “I’ll do it later” to “I have a weekly plan”
You get a clear rhythm for reading, practicing, and applying skills so progress doesn’t depend on mood.
Shift 2 — From “I understand DBT” to “I can use DBT under pressure”
We focus on skills you can actually run when emotions spike.
Shift 3 — From “I fell off again” to “I restart fast”
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s rapid repair and consistent return to practice.
How to get Started
Getting started is simple:
Complete the STG intake / registration to book your first appointment.
Once booked, we share a digital first chapter from one of the recommended books so you can start immediately.
Bring your questions, struggles, and wins to your guidance session—so your self-study becomes real change.
Recommended book used for the program: Self-Directed DBT Skills
Your plan is individualized, but often includes:
a shared “map” of your patterns and triggers
safety and crisis-prevention planning (when needed)
reducing life- and therapy-interfering behaviours first
applying DBT core skills to your specific symptoms, needs, and goals
strengthening the working relationship so therapy becomes a stable base, not another stressor
This isn’t “talk therapy and hope.” It’s structured, compassionate, and active.
You’ll be supported—and you’ll also be coached toward change.
Cost
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DBT Guided Self-Help 1 $75
45 minutes. For participants not in regular DBT Skills Groups at our clinic and who have done DBT skills therapy before.
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DBT Guided Self-Help 2 $65
45 minutes. For participants currently in the regular DBT Skills Groups at our clinic.
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DBT Guided Self-Help 3 $100
60 minutes. For participants not in regular DBT Skills Groups at our clinic.
What you Get
This is designed to be simple—but not shallow.
You get:
A structured DBT skills path across the four core modules
Monthly guidance sessions to personalize and troubleshoot
A clear practice plan (so you know what to do between sessions)
A starting boost: the first chapter shared after booking
A framework you can reuse for the rest of your life (especially during high-stress seasons)
What to Expect
(simple, predictable steps)
Starting DBT services at STG Health follows a clear process:
Step 1 — Pre-Register
Complete the pre-registration form and get a callback in 24 hours.
Step 2 — Informed Consent
Complete intake/consent forms and brief screenings so we understand your symptoms and needs.
Step 3 — Intake Appointment
We review the information and decide which DBT service is the best starting point.
Step 4 — Start Support
You’ll get started in about 1–2 weeks (typical).
Do I Need a Formal Insomnia Diagnosis?
Not necessarily. Many people start because the patterns are obvious—intensity, impulsivity, relational chaos, self-harm urges, or repeated crises. DBT is designed around patterns and targets, not just labels.
If we see signs that additional assessment or medical follow-up is needed, we’ll tell you clearly during intake.
Important Safety Note
DBT Guided Self-Help does not replace ongoing professional mental health support and does not address emergencies or situations requiring immediate response.
If you are at immediate risk, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.