Introduction to Skills Group Therapy

Skills group therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals develop practical tools for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that interfere with daily life. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it focuses on teaching and practicing coping skills within a supportive, collaborative group setting.

CBT emphasizes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, participants learn to replace them with adaptive alternatives that promote emotional regulation and effective problem-solving (Beck, 2011). In a group context, CBT encourages shared learning, normalization of struggles, and accountability.

DBT, developed by Marsha Linehan (1993), extends CBT by balancing acceptance and change strategies. Its core modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—teach participants how to manage intense emotions, navigate relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors. Practicing these skills in a group fosters belonging, feedback, and mutual support.

ACT complements these models by cultivating psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present and act in line with one’s values, even when facing difficult emotions (Hayes et al., 1999). ACT-based skills emphasize mindfulness, acceptance, and values-guided action, helping participants live with greater purpose and self-compassion.

Across these orientations, skills group therapy promotes more than symptom relief—it supports building a meaningful life. The group format enhances motivation and accountability, allowing participants to observe, model, and reinforce adaptive coping strategies. Regular practice and reflection between sessions strengthen skill mastery and generalization.

In sum, skills group therapy integrates CBT, DBT, and ACT to foster awareness, balance, and purposeful living. Rooted in science and sustained by connection, it empowers individuals to face challenges with greater flexibility, acceptance, and skillful action.

Introduction to the BE BRAVE Program

The Building Empathy, Bullying Resistance, Anger, and Violence Education (BE BRAVE) program is a 10-week, evidence-based skills group designed for children and teens ages 7 to 17 and their parents or caregivers. There are three different student groups between the ages 7-17 (separated by ages: 7-10, 11-14, & 15-17). Rooted in evidence-based principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and social–emotional learning research, BE BRAVE teaches youth practical tools for managing anger, preventing bullying, building empathy, and practicing nonviolence.

Parents and caregivers participate alongside their children, learning strategies to reinforce these skills at home and strengthen family communication. This collaborative format helps families grow together, creating safer, more supportive environments where empathy and respect can thrive.

The BE BRAVE Program empowers youth to stay safe, prevent bullying, practice nonviolence, and develop empathy. It also equips parents with strategies to support their children in strengthening anger management and impulse control skills.

The program cost is $150 per week per family, and ESA and grant funding may be available for those needing financial support. Our goal is to ensure that every family who can benefit from this program can have the opportunity to participate.

Through BE BRAVE, we hope to build a stronger, kinder community—one where every child and family feels safe, supported, and connected.

​