Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, will provide a free, online support group with a focus on using Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) techniques to improve interpersonal skills. The six-week support group, “DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness” will be provided by therapist Sophia Graham and will start on Friday, August 20th.

“Our efforts to manage our own emotions are frequently challenged by our interactions with other people,” says Graham. “Sometimes this leads us to behave impulsively or to explode, damaging our relationships. Other times we can fail to speak up assertively for what we need, which can lead to resentment or misunderstandings later. This course is about empowering us to handle interpersonal situations more effectively.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organisation, which is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“This course invites you to reflect on the myths that can hold you back in relationships, while teaching you how to be more assertive,” says Tanit. “Sophia is a disabled, queer coach and therapist working primarily with marginalised individuals and groups. Sophia’s work can help you gain control over your life and relationships. These flexible and scientifically supported dialectical behavior therapy techniques are a way to clearer communication and more fulfilling relationships.”

The 2-hour “DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness” support group begins on Friday August 20th at 1pm EST, and will take place online each Friday at the same time until September 24th. For more information and to secure a place, visit pineapplesupport.org/support-groups.