Supporting someone who struggles with overwhelming emotions can be deeply meaningful, and deeply challenging. Whether you’re a partner, parent, sibling or close friend, it’s natural to want to help while also needing support and the right tools yourself. This group is designed specifically for you – the loved ones – to gain practical skills, emotional insight, and a space to feel understood.
Why relationships matter
Strong, connected relationships are one of the most powerful foundations for emotional wellbeing. When someone we care about finds it difficult to manage emotions or impulses, the strain on the relationship can be intense. Partners and family members can feel stuck, unsure how to help, and often left out of the treatment process. Yet, your role is vital. By learning effective strategies and gaining support, you can strengthen your relationship and your own wellbeing.
What is the DBT Skills Group for Partners and Family Members?
This is an 8-week online programme offering education, skills training, and a supportive space for people who are in a close relationship with someone who struggles with intense emotions, sudden mood shifts, or impulsive behaviours. Whether or not a formal diagnosis of BPD has been given, this group is for those navigating the complexities of emotional sensitivity in their relationships, and who want to build greater understanding, resilience, and connection.
Led by experienced DBT therapists, the group will help you:
- Understand emotional dysregulation and the challenges your loved one may face
- Develop your own coping strategies using evidence-based DBT tools
- Build more balanced, compassionate, and resilient relationships
- Learn from others who share similar experiences
Who is it for?
This group is for anyone in a close relationship with someone who struggles with intense emotions, including partners, parents, adult children, siblings, and close friends.
It may be for you if you’re ready to:
- Strengthen your relationship while maintaining your own wellbeing
- Explore how your responses may impact difficult interpersonal cycles
- Learn and practice skills both in and outside of sessions
- Commit to attending regularly and actively participating
- Build a personal toolkit to navigate emotional challenges with more confidence and clarity
What you’ll learn
Each week we’ll explore key topics through a mix of teaching, discussion and practice. Topics include:
- Understanding emotion dysregulation and BPD
- Mindfulness and relationship skills
- Balancing your needs with the needs of your loved one
- Emotion regulation and distress tolerance techniques
- Communicating without blame
- Setting limits with care
- Validation and problem-solving skills
Where and When
- Online via Zoom
- Saturdays, 10:00am–12:00pm
- Runs for 8 consecutive weeks
- Next start date: To be confirmed – please get in touch to register your interest
Fees
- £680 per person (£85 x 8 weekly sessions)
- £960 for two family members attending together (£120 x 8 sessions)
- A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place (non-refundable)
- The remaining fee is due one week before the start date.
- Commitment to the full programme is essential. Please note that fees cover all sessions, including any missed or cancelled.