The Relationship Toolbox:
DBT Skills for Couples

Tuesdays 1pm-2:30pm on Zoom

Do You Keep Having the Same Arguments?

Many couples know what they want to say but struggle with how they say it.

You may find yourselves:

  • Escalating quickly during conflict

  • Saying things you later regret

  • Shutting down or withdrawing from difficult conversations

  • Feeling misunderstood by your partner

  • Struggling to manage intense emotions during disagreements

  • Having the same arguments over and over without resolution

If this sounds familiar, The Relationship Toolbox can help.

What Is The Relationship Toolbox?

The Relationship Toolbox is a skills-based group for couples who want practical tools to improve communication, strengthen their connection, and manage conflict more effectively.

Based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this program teaches couples how to:

  • Communicate more effectively

  • Regulate emotions during conflict

  • Reduce reactive behaviors

  • Navigate disagreements with greater skill and understanding

  • Strengthen trust and emotional connection

  • Respond to stress as a team

Unlike traditional couples therapy, this group focuses on learning and practicing concrete relationship skills that you can immediately apply in daily life.

What Skills Will We Learn?

The curriculum includes four evidence-based skill areas:

Mindfulness

Learn how to stay present, reduce reactivity, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

Emotion Regulation

Develop skills for understanding and managing difficult emotions before they take over conversations and relationships.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and learn strategies for maintaining satisfying relationships.

Distress Tolerance

Build skills for navigating conflict, stress, and emotional crises without making situations worse.

Is This Group Right for Us?

This group is designed for couples who:

  • Are currently participating in couples therapy or individual therapy

  • Want additional tools to improve their relationship

  • Are motivated to practice skills between sessions

  • Experience recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, or communication difficulties

Both partners must participate together and attend consistently so that skills can be learned and practiced as a team.

This group may not be the best fit for individuals whose primary concerns involve active suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors, as a traditional individual DBT skills group may provide more comprehensive support.

Program Details

Format: Weekly virtual group via HIPAA-compliant Zoom

Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM

Length: Approximately 7 months

Cost: $75 per person, per session

Insurance: In-network coverage available for many major insurance plans. Out-of-network reimbursement forms are available.

Getting Started

Before joining the group, couples meet with Dr. Andrea Medeiros for a brief intake appointment to determine whether the group is a good fit.

Current Psychology Specialists of Maine clients may qualify for a shortened intake process.

Ready to strengthen your relationship with practical, evidence-based skills? Contact us to learn more or schedule an intake appointment.