Group Mental Health Programs Show Promise for People Living With Chronic Illness

A recent Australian feasibility study examined the Be Well Plan, an online, group-based mental health program for people living with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, or smouldering multiple myeloma, its precursor condition. The five-week program combined strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and positive psychology. Participants who completed pre- and post-program assessments showed significant improvements in mental well-being and empowerment, although changes in anxiety and depression symptoms were not statistically significant in the main analysis.

Beyond the outcomes, the study highlights an important aspect of group-based interventions: the opportunity to learn practical skills alongside others facing similar challenges. Participants identified peer connection as a meaningful part of the experience, suggesting that the group setting itself may offer benefits beyond structured learning alone.

Although the study did not examine Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specifically, its findings are relevant to clinicians interested in structured, skills-based group approaches. DBT skills groups similarly combine practical skill development with opportunities to learn alongside others. While this small feasibility study cannot establish that the group format caused the observed improvements, it offers a useful starting point for considering how structured learning and peer connection may support people navigating complex health challenges.

What Are DBT Skills Groups?

DBT skills groups are structured, psychoeducational sessions where participants learn and practice four core skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Rather than focusing primarily on open-ended discussion, these groups emphasize practical skills that participants can apply to everyday situations.

For example, mindfulness skills can help people notice their thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting to them. Distress tolerance skills offer strategies for getting through difficult moments, while emotion regulation skills help people understand and respond to their feelings more effectively. Interpersonal effectiveness skills support healthier communication and relationships.

Learning these skills independently can be helpful, but practicing them in a group offers another dimension. Participants can learn from one another's experiences, recognize that they're not alone in their struggles, and practice new approaches in a supportive environment.

Why This Matters Beyond Cancer

Although the University of Surrey study focused on a specific medical population, its findings raise broader questions about the potential value of structured group-based interventions for people managing ongoing health challenges.

Living with a chronic illness can involve more than physical symptoms. Uncertainty, changes in daily routines, difficult emotions, and concerns about the future can all affect mental well-being. Learning practical coping strategies may help people navigate these challenges, although the most appropriate approach will depend on each person's circumstances and needs.

DBT skills have also been adapted and studied across a range of clinical populations beyond borderline personality disorder, the condition for which DBT was originally developed. For a closer look at how these skills can support adults navigating different challenges, explore our guide to DBT for adults.

For people living with chronic illness, and for clinicians supporting them, structured skills groups may be one option worth considering alongside other forms of care. However, findings from a study of one particular program should not be taken as proof that all group interventions produce the same outcomes.

Is Online DBT as Effective as In-Person Programs?

Online programs can make structured skills learning more accessible to people who face barriers to attending in-person sessions. For individuals managing fatigue, mobility limitations, transportation difficulties, or concerns about exposure to infections, participating remotely may be particularly helpful.

However, online and in-person formats are not automatically interchangeable, and their effectiveness depends on the program, population, and outcomes being measured. More research may be needed to determine how well findings from specific online DBT programs generalize to people managing complex medical conditions.

At TheraHive, our online DBT skills groups provide structured opportunities to learn and practice practical skills with others. Participants can explore strategies for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and navigating interpersonal challenges in a guided learning environment.

The Power of Structured Learning in Community

One potential benefit of group-based programs is the opportunity to learn alongside people facing similar challenges. When someone is dealing with a difficult diagnosis or ongoing uncertainty, feeling understood can matter just as much as having practical tools to draw upon.

Psychoeducational groups combine structured learning with opportunities for connection. Participants can develop skills, hear different perspectives, and discover ways to approach challenges that they may not have considered on their own.

For example, practicing DBT mindfulness exercises can help participants become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. Learning distress tolerance techniques can provide concrete strategies for navigating difficult moments, while emotion regulation skills can help participants better understand their emotional responses.

These resources can complement group learning, although reading about a skill is not the same as practicing it with guidance and support.

For people living with chronic conditions, or clinicians considering group-based approaches for clients experiencing ongoing medical stress, the University of Surrey study offers a useful reminder to consider both the skills being taught and the environment in which people learn them.

How Do I Know If a DBT Skills Group Is Right for Me?

A DBT skills group may be worth exploring if you experience emotional overwhelm, struggle to manage stress, or want practical tools for navigating difficult situations. You don't necessarily need a particular diagnosis to benefit from learning skills related to mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

A skills group may be especially appealing if you prefer a structured learning environment, want opportunities to practice new techniques, or would appreciate learning alongside other people.

It's also important to consider your individual needs. A skills group is not a substitute for every form of mental health care, and some people may benefit from individual therapy or a combination of approaches. If you're unsure where to start, our guide to selecting a DBT therapist can help you understand different options.

You can also explore TheraHive's group programs to learn more about structured DBT skills learning.

Final Thoughts

The University of Surrey study highlights the potential of structured group-based psychoeducation to support people facing significant medical challenges. Its findings also invite further consideration of how practical coping skills, guided learning, and connection with others can contribute to mental well-being.

For people navigating chronic illness or other ongoing sources of stress, learning skills in a group may offer a meaningful way to build coping strategies while feeling less alone. The key is to consider the evidence for each specific program, recognize that individual needs differ, and find an approach that offers the right combination of skills, support, and accessibility.

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