i'd like to preface this with mentioning that my time at Prism was my third intensive outpatient program (IOP) completed, and the second done in houston. i followed up IOP (8 weeks) at prism with four weeks of DBT skills group. my parents attended a weekly family group program for several weeks here as well. (here's my review of my previous experience at another DBT facility in houston: https://www.yelp.com/biz/karyn-hall-phd-houston?hrid=V4GqvynXF3wzNt1uvqmC_g)
i found prism to be overall a positive experience. i liked that they teach
marsha linehan's (DBT founder) content but also supplement with their own to mix it up and illustrate different perspectives. i also appreciate their flexibility in philosophy on the DBT subject.
i started off working with jamie and during her medical leave i worked 1x1 with liel. sherry facilitated my intake session and also led my 4 weeks of DBT skills group. i can't say anything about the others but i found all of these therapists to be kind, bright, progressive, fun, approachable, nurturing, flexible, knowledgeable, and really go out of their way to advocate for you and your well being. the yoga instructors are experienced and caring, and the best part - yoga sessions in IOP are free!
each session of IOP or skills group began with a mindfulness session (usually some form of meditation) - similar to other DBT IOPs. group sessions cover topics: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effective interpersonal communication. homework is assigned and you really only get out what you put in as far as individual progress goes. a 10 min break is given in both IOP and weekly skills group sessions. 15 min would be better in my opinion (but this is more about my own ADD/anxiety).
the main reason i gave 4 instead of 5 stars is because i've had another DBT experience in austin (seton) whose program i found overwhelmingly impactful; one difference was that each session of IOP at their facility began with a brief check-in and diary card review for each person in the group with the therapist - 1x1 but in front of the others (other group members don't intervene). these check-ins allowed the therapist to really tackle things in a significant way; plus since everyone's business is out there in the open, all feel comfortable speaking openly when it comes time to share (Prism doesn't have this type of check-in; theirs, i found to be simple and less substantive.) also, i have sensory issues and struggle with bright lights. nearly every person in my IOP also requested to work with the lights off for similar reasons but at the end of the day the only time we were able to keep the lights off was during mindfulness session. i felt like an accommodation could/should have been made, but i didn't want to make a stink so i didn't push it. the only other reason for the missing star is because the program is rather pricey. if you have insurance - great, but i've heard that there may be more affordable DBT programs out there.
as i mentioned earlier... it was overall a positive experience; for me, it served to be a great refresher of my skills. now, i feel more equipped to #copeahead for life. :) i enjoyed my time at Prism and would recommend it to any from all walks of life.
dialectically yours,
someone who believes that Prism saved her life. #gratitude read more