DBT and RO-DBT Skills Classes for The Woodlands and the Houston Area
Many people searching for DBT therapy in Houston are looking for something specific: a place to learn the skills. Contemporary Behavioral Therapy runs weekly skills classes in two related but different approaches, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT). This page explains what the classes are, how the two approaches differ, and how to tell which one might fit you.
If you'd like background on DBT itself, including its four skill areas, see our guide to Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
What a Skills Class Is (and Isn't)
A skills class works more like a class than a support group. Each week there is a specific skill to learn, a chance to ask questions, and practice to try between meetings. The focus is on what you can do differently in daily life, not on processing personal history in front of others.
A few things that tend to surprise people:
- There is homework. Skills are practiced between classes, and much of the learning happens there.
- You don't have to share personal details. Participants talk about how they used a skill, not the private story behind it.
- It is structured. Skills are taught in a planned sequence.
Skills classes are often paired with individual therapy, where a therapist helps you apply the skills to your own situation.
DBT Skills Classes: For Emotions That Run Hot
DBT was developed for people who feel emotions intensely and quickly, and have a hard time coming back down. A DBT skills class may fit if you:
- feel emotions as overwhelming or "all or nothing"
- act on urges in the moment and regret it later
- have relationships that feel intense or unstable
- struggle to get through a crisis without making it worse
DBT classes teach skills for staying present, tolerating distress, understanding and changing emotions, and asking for what you need while keeping relationships and self-respect intact.
RO-DBT Skills Classes: For When Self-Control Goes Too Far
RO-DBT, developed by Thomas Lynch, is designed for a different problem: emotional overcontrol. Self-control is usually a strength, but too much of it can leave people isolated, rigid, and lonely. An RO-DBT class may fit if you:
- hold yourself to very high standards and find it hard to relax them
- keep your feelings hidden, even from people close to you
- find change, uncertainty, or feedback hard to tolerate
- feel distant from others even when life looks "fine" from the outside
RO-DBT emphasizes openness, flexibility, and social connection. Participants often practice letting more of themselves show.
How to Tell Which Class Might Fit
A simple way to think about it:
| DBT | RO-DBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Core difficulty | Emotional undercontrol | Emotional overcontrol |
| Common experience | "My feelings take over" | "I keep my feelings locked down" |
| Skills focus | Regulating and tolerating intense emotion | Openness, flexibility, and social connection |
Many people see a bit of both in themselves. A short conversation with a therapist can help sort out which approach makes more sense before you join a class.
Class Format and Schedule
- Who the classes are for: Classes are offered for adults (18+) and for teens and young adults (13–17). Call to find out which class fits your age group.
- Day and time: Weekly classes; call (713) 955-5925 for current days and times.
- Requirements: People who want skills classes only, or who are in individual DBT with another provider, are considered on a case-by-case basis. Call (713) 955-5925 to talk through whether a class is a good fit and how to join.
- Fees and insurance: see the Services and Rates page. Classes can be billed to insurance; coverage depends on your plan, and we'll verify your benefits. Self-pay is $100 per 60-minute class.
The classes are led by John Campbell, MA, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and LPC-MHSP in Tennessee, who also offers individual therapy using DBT, RO-DBT, CBT, ACT, and ERP. John leads both classes (Psychology Today lists him as host). He completed his specialized DBT training through Behavioral Tech and has also trained in DBT-C and RO-DBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DBT skills group? A DBT skills group is a weekly class that teaches Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants learn a skill each week and practice it between sessions. It works more like a class than a traditional support group.
What is the difference between DBT and RO-DBT? DBT is designed for people whose emotions feel intense and hard to control (emotional undercontrol). RO-DBT, or Radically Open DBT, is designed for people who are overly controlled, such as perfectionistic, emotionally guarded, or socially isolated, and it focuses on openness, flexibility, and connection with others.
Do I have to share personal things in a DBT or RO-DBT class? No. Skills classes focus on learning and practicing skills. Participants usually talk about how they used a skill during the week, not the private details of their lives.
Where can I find DBT skills classes near The Woodlands or Houston? Contemporary Behavioral Therapy, a practice serving The Woodlands, Spring, and the north Houston area, runs weekly DBT and RO-DBT skills classes led by John Campbell, MA, LPC. Call (713) 955-5925 to ask about joining.
Interested in a Class?
If you're curious whether a DBT or RO-DBT skills class could help, you're welcome to get in touch or call (713) 955-5925. We can talk through which class fits and answer any questions about how it works.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Skills classes are not a crisis service. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.