Experiential Group Therapy Interventions with DBT
Practical, Creative Group Plans for Treating Addictions and Trauma
By Allan J. Katz and Mary Hickam Bellofatto
A must-have resource for group leaders working with addiction and trauma
Stop Scrambling for Group Content
Group therapists know the pressure.
You need something engaging. Something clinically sound. Something that fills the time with purpose, not filler. And sometimes you are searching for exercises at the last minute.
Experiential Group Therapy Interventions with DBT is designed to be your ready-to-use companion.
This book provides structured, experiential group plans that combine Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills with psychodrama and trauma-informed interventions, so you can walk into group prepared, confident, and creative.
A Practical “Cookbook” for Group Leaders
Written in an easy-to-follow format, this workbook offers concise, daily group plans organized into a monthly cycle.
Each day includes:
A clear theme
A DBT skill focus
Psychoeducational content
Experiential group exercises
Warm-up activities
Structured closings
You do not have to reinvent the wheel each week. The structure is already built.
Designed for Addiction and Trauma Treatment
Addiction and trauma frequently coexist. Effective group work must address both.
This book integrates:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills
Experiential and psychodrama techniques
Emotional regulation practices
Interpersonal effectiveness training
Distress tolerance tools
These exercises have been used successfully in treatment centers and therapy settings internationally for both group and individual work.
The result is a dynamic approach that teaches skills while helping clients access and process deeper emotional material.
What This Book Helps You Do
Bring Energy and Creativity to Group Therapy
Move beyond lectures and worksheets into experiential learning that engages participants to go deeper, quicker.
Teach DBT Skills in a Memorable Way
Help clients internalize emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills through lived experiences.
Structure Your Month with Confidence
Use the daily themes and ready-made plans to create rhythm and consistency in your groups.
Support Deeper Emotional Processing
Use experiential techniques to help clients explore trauma, addiction patterns, and relational dynamics safely.
Liven Up Your Groups and Deepen the Work
When you implement these experiential interventions, you do more than fill time.
You create an environment where clients:
Feel engaged and present
Learn practical, evidence-based skills
Process emotions in structured ways
Develop healthier coping strategies
The combination of DBT and experiential methods allows clients to regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and improve interpersonal effectiveness while participating in meaningful group experiences.