DBT was originally developed to support people experiencing intense, hard-to-manage emotions and patterns of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, particularly those with a Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis. Over time, its use has expanded well beyond that original population.
Today, DBT skills groups commonly benefit people navigating anxiety, depression, chronic emotional dysregulation, difficulty tolerating distress, impulsive behaviors, substance use, eating concerns, and relationship conflict. Many people who feel like their emotions are "too much" or that they react in ways they later regret find DBT skills especially useful.
You don't need a specific diagnosis to benefit from DBT. If you find yourself overwhelmed by emotions, struggling to communicate what you need, acting impulsively under stress, or repeating patterns in relationships that you'd like to change, DBT skills group can offer concrete, practical tools.
DBT groups work best for people who are ready to actively practice new skills between sessions — it's a hands-on, practice-based approach rather than a passive one.