DBT "Lite" teaches the core skills of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, for dealing with difficult emotions, learning to communicate effectively, tolerating distress and being mindful. The skills are divided into 4 modules (distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and core mindfulness). DBT Lite is a closed group, and accepts new members at the start of each module. It takes 24-26 weeks (3 modules) to complete all of the primary DBT skills. Groups are capped at 10 participants.

Commitment: 9 weeks or 1 module

Cost/Insurance: $85 per group. We also accept Lyra EAP and UC SHIP.

Evaluation Required

Adult DBT Groups (Virtual):

• Tuesdays 12:00-2:00 p.m. Interpersonally Effectiveness starts TBD

• Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 Emotion Regulation starts 3/12 (currently full)

• Fridays 9:30-11:00 a.m. Distress Tolerance starts 3/28

Adolescent Groups (In Person in Torrance):

• Ages 14-17 Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 p.m.

• Ages 11-13 Mondays at 4:00-5:30 p.m.

DBT Graduate group is a group for clients who have completed at least one round of Stage 1 DBT skills group and who want to continue to strengthen and generalize skills in managing distress and problems of daily living. To be accepted into graduate group, you must also pass a DBT skills test. In addition to strengthening skill use, there is a special focus on individual goal setting and weekly lessons on life enhancing topics outside of the traditional DBT Skills manual. Each module in this group is geared towards problem solving to achieve specific life worth living goals in an area of your choice. Some examples of areas covered include: cognitive modification, depression management, anxiety management, self-compassion, establishing your community/relationships, reinforcement of self and others, and perfectionism. Each module will last 4-6 weeks, and you only need to make a commitment to attend one module at a time.

Commitment: 4-6 weeks

Cost: $100 per group. We also accept Anthem UC SHIP.

Evaluation Required

Time: Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. co-led by Samantha Reitz, AMFT and Brittany Mullan, AMFT. Next Module Starts 1/9/2025

This group is for those who have a loved one who struggles with emotion dysregulation or has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The goal of this group is to provide skills and support to improve their relationship with their loved one. The group draws on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) principles and skills. Participants will learn mindfulness skills, communication skills, effective validation, acceptance vs. problem solving, and more. Learn how to support your loved one and find support for yourself by joining a community of people who are working to navigate relationships similar to yours.

Commitment: 9 weeks

Cost: $75 per group

Evaluation Required

Time: Tuesdays from 12:00-1:30 p.m. run by Rachel Todd, LCSW

Join Samantha Reitz, AMFT, for this 3-part workshop where we’ll use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore and establish meaningful, values-based goals for a fulfilling and purposeful 2025. ACT helps you clarify your values, break through mental barriers, and commit to actions that align with what truly matters to you. Start the New Year with intention and clarity, creating a life guided by your core values!

Commitment: 3 Sessions (12/16, 12/23, 12/30)

Cost: $50/group; UC SHIP Accepted

Time: Mondays 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) is an evidenced based therapy used to treat borderline personality disorder, trauma, depression and other co-occurring disorders. MBT encourages the individual to develop an understanding of their own mental states, how those mental states affect their behavior and understanding the mental states of others. By increasing effective mentalization, a person reduces emotional instability, impulsivity and relational conflict while increasing emotional regulation and good interpersonal relationships.

The Introduction to Mentalization (Intro to MBT group) is a 9 week group focusing on introducing weekly concepts relating to increasing mentalizing and group exercises to develop these skills. By the end of the 9 weeks, participates will better understand basic concepts of mentalizing, develop better emotional regulation and an increase in effective interpersonal skills.

Commitment: 9 weeks

Facilitators: Julie Biaggi, LCSW

Cost: $85 per group, UC SHIP accepted

Evaluation Required

Time: Thursdays 12:30-2:00 p.m.

This group provides support, facilitates discussions, and fosters community to those who identify having ADHD and/or being on the Autism spectrum. Process groups meet on a weekly basis where individuals process topics such as life events, stressors, mood-related symptoms and relationship issues. Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can help reduce feeling isolated and increase meaningful human connection. Process groups also offer an opportunity to improve coping skills through in vivo experiences. Groups are capped at 8 participants.

Commitment: 8 weeks

Cost: $35 per group

Evaluation Required

Time: Tuesdays 6:00-7:00 p.m. run by Diadra Smith, ASW (Supervised by Elana Lev, LCSW #64862) Next Cycle Starting 2/20/24

Process groups offer a unique opportunity to receive support, encouragement, and feedback from other individuals in a compassionate, safe, and confidential space. Process groups meet on a weekly basis where individuals process topics such as life events, stressors, mood-related symptoms and relationship issues. Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can help reduce feeling isolated and increase meaningful human connection. Process groups also offer an opportunity to improve coping skills through in vivo experiences. Groups are capped at 8 participants.

Commitment: 1 month

Cost: $35 per group

Evaluation Required

Time: Mondays 5:00-6:00 p.m. run by Mary-Kate Proietta, ASW (Supervised by Laura Twersky, LCSW #66410)

Often times those with chronic illness feel that their symptoms are dismissed and their lived experience is unseen and unheard. Navigating life with a chronic illness can be an enormous adjustment, and the process of recovery isn’t linear. There can be benefits from processing the experience together in a compassionate, safe, and confidential space. Group meets on a weekly basis where individuals have space to discuss topics including identity loss or change, uncertainty, isolation, stress, anxiety, and symptom management. Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can help reduce feelings of isolation and increase meaningful human connection. The group will offer an opportunity to improve coping skills through in vivo experiences. The group is capped at 8 participants and open to those experiencing a chronic illness (including, but not limited to: Long Covid, dysautonomia, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and immune system disorders).

Commitment: 1 month

Cost: $35 per group

Evaluation Required

Time: Thursdays 12:00-1:00 p.m. run by Mary-Kate Proietta, ASW (Supervised by Laura Twersky, LCSW #66410)

This is a process group for individuals 18+ who identify as children of immigrants. This group is an opportunity for individuals to safely process their unique lived experiences, gain coping strategies, and receive culturally responsive support and validation. We will explore a variety of topics including healing from intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, family dynamics, and socially imposed imposter syndrome.

Groups are capped at 8 participants.

Commitment: 1 month

Cost: $35 per group

Evaluation Required

Time: TBD run by Kerry Luo, ASW (Supervised by Lindsay Rickel, LCSW #71539)