As September arrives and summer begins to give way to autumn, many of us find ourselves adjusting to changes in routine. The days gradually become shorter, the weather changes, and work, education and other responsibilities often become busier again. For some people, this transition can bring additional stress, low mood or a sense of being overwhelmed. This autumn, DBT-UK is pleased to introduce a new online DBT group, offering structured support and practical skills from the comfort of your own home.

Our new online DBT group starts on Monday 28 September, running every Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The group provides an opportunity to learn and practise Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills alongside others who are also working towards managing their emotions, relationships and everyday challenges more effectively.

 

Why can autumn feel difficult?

Seasonal changes can affect people in different ways. As the amount of daylight decreases, some people experience changes in their mood, sleep, energy or motivation. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, although experiencing a difficult autumn or winter does not necessarily mean that someone has SAD.

There can also be practical changes that make this time of year challenging. Summer holidays may come to an end, children and young people return to school, workloads can increase and familiar routines change. Even positive changes can require adjustment, particularly if you are already managing anxiety, low mood, emotional sensitivity or difficulties with relationships.

This is one reason that autumn can be a useful time to think about the skills and support you have available. Rather than waiting until things become overwhelming, learning practical strategies can help you respond to difficulties earlier and build greater confidence in managing them.

 

What can DBT offer?

DBT is a structured psychological therapy that focuses on developing practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, improving relationships and becoming more aware of the present moment.

One of the strengths of DBT is its emphasis on skills that can be practised in everyday life. You might learn how to get through a particularly difficult moment without making things worse, identify and change patterns that contribute to emotional distress, communicate more effectively with other people, or develop greater awareness of what is happening internally.

DBT also recognises that change can be difficult. The approach combines acceptance with change, helping people acknowledge where they are now while developing the skills and behaviours that can move them towards a life that feels more meaningful.

 

The benefits of an online DBT group

An online DBT group can make accessing structured support easier, particularly for people who find travelling to appointments difficult or who feel more comfortable participating from home.

Joining online also means that DBT skills can be practised in the environment where you will often use them. You can learn about a skill during the group and then begin thinking about how you might apply it to situations in your own life.

The group also provides an opportunity to learn alongside other people. Although everyone’s experiences are different, there can be something reassuring about discovering that other people also struggle with emotions, relationships, uncertainty or difficult situations. Having a regular space to learn and practise can help create consistency at a time when other parts of life may feel unsettled.

 

Starting this autumn

An online DBT group can be a positive way to begin building a stronger foundation of skills before the darker months are fully underway. It is not about trying to prevent every difficult emotion or making yourself feel positive all the time. Instead, DBT encourages us to develop the ability to respond more effectively when difficult emotions, thoughts or situations arise.

Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. Maintaining routines, staying connected with other people, getting outside during daylight hours and continuing activities that matter to you can all support mental wellbeing. The NHS also recommends maintaining regular routines and staying connected with others when experiencing low mood.

If you have been considering DBT, this autumn could be an opportunity to take that first step. Our new online DBT group starts Monday 28 September and runs every Monday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

If September is not the right time for you, there is no need to wait until next year. DBT-UK has new groups starting every month, giving you regular opportunities to begin a DBT programme when the timing feels right for you. Our groups provide structured learning and opportunities to practise DBT skills, with different programmes available depending on your needs.

Whether you are starting DBT for the first time or looking for a structured way to continue developing your skills, we welcome you to explore what is available at DBT-UK.

Our September online DBT group starts Monday 28 September, 6:00pm–7:30pm. New groups start every month.

For more information about our groups, including upcoming start dates and how to join, please contact DBT-UK or visit our website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Contact DBT-UK

info@dbt-uk.co.uk  |   +44 (0) 7541 458 851