What to Expect in Our Dayton Transdiagnostic Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

If you are here, it usually means something has been feeling heavy for a while. You might be dealing with anxiety, mood changes, stress, emotional overload, or just feeling stuck and unsure what to do next. Wherever you are starting from, you belong here.

Starting an Intensive Outpatient Program can feel overwhelming, especially when you are managing anxiety, mood difficulties, stress-related concerns, or challenges with emotional regulation.

Whether you are feeling anxious, uncertain, exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply relieved to have support, you are welcome here.

At The Anxiety Center, our Dayton Transdiagnostic IOP is designed to meet you exactly where you are, with structure, flexibility, and genuine support.

What Is the Dayton Transdiagnostic IOP?

Our program supports individuals experiencing anxiety, mood challenges, stress-related concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, and feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

The transdiagnostic model focuses on skills that apply across diagnoses so you are treated as a whole person, not a label.

Program Schedule & Format

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Format: Hybrid, in person or virtual

What Your First Day Feels Like

Your first day is intentionally welcoming, structured, and supportive.

The group begins with brief introductions and orientation so you know what to expect and who is in the room.

You are never required to share more than you are comfortable with, and there is no pressure to speak before you are ready.

There is no pressure to share and no expectation to perform.

Weekly Structure

Each week begins with a new topic on Monday that is developed on Wednesday and Friday.

This structure ensures participants are not entering material without context or preparation.

Skills build in a logical and manageable way.

The Group Environment

Our group is built on psychological safety, respect, and collaboration.

This is a space where people listen with curiosity and respect, support one another without judgment, learn together at their own pace, and are not expected to perform or get it right.

You are allowed to be human here.

Group Expectations

Attend consistently and arrive on time.

Maintain confidentiality and respect boundaries.

Offer support without judgment.

Virtual Participation Guidelines

Attend from a private location.

Use headphones.

No recording or screenshots.

Remain present and engaged.

What Happens in Each Session

Guided discussion.

Practical skill building (ACT, DBT, ERP, CBT)

Reflection and shared learning.

Pace & Commitment

Progress happens through steady engagement, curiosity, and practice.

You are supported at every step.

Group Environment

Our group environment is intentionally respectful, emotionally safe, and collaborative.

Participants are encouraged to listen with curiosity, support one another without judgment, and learn at their own pace.

No one is expected to perform or get it right.

Psychological safety is a core value of this program.

Attendance & Participation

Arrive on time and remain for the full group whenever possible.

If you will be late or absent, notify the team in advance.

Consistent attendance is important because skills build over time.

Participants are encouraged to practice DBT skills between sessions.

Confidentiality & Boundaries

All names and identifying information shared in group must remain confidential.

Do not form undisclosed relationships with other participants outside of IOP.

Avoid engaging in risky behaviors, illegal activity, or substance use with group members.

Respect personal boundaries and the structure of the group.

Respect & Support

Treat all group members with respect and compassion.

Validate one another’s experiences.

Offer noncritical feedback only when invited.

Remain open to receiving support and feedback.

Focus & Conduct

Remain present and engaged during sessions.

Avoid phone use and outside distractions.

Do not attend sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Avoid sharing triggering details about self-harm, suicide, or substance use.

Limit contact with other participants outside of supervised group time.

Virtual Participation Rules

Attend from a private, quiet location.

No other person may see or hear any part of the session.

Use headphones whenever possible.

Exclude identifying details from written notes.

Log in on time and test audio and video before each session.

The facilitator may request that you turn on your camera at any time to ensure privacy, accountability, engagement, and group connection.

Do not attend sessions while driving or in public spaces.

Professional Conduct in Virtual Space

Dress and present yourself as you would in person.

Remain seated and focused.

Avoid multitasking or lying in bed.

Keep backgrounds neutral and appropriate.

Recording, photographing, or screen capturing is strictly prohibited.

Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from virtual sessions and may affect your continued participation in the program.

What to Expect in Each Session

Each session includes guided discussion, practical skill building, reflection, and shared learning.

Skills are connected directly to real life situations.

Pace & Commitment

Early sessions focus on orientation and stabilization.

Skills are introduced gradually.

Progress happens through steady engagement, curiosity, and practice.

Consistent attendance and skill practice outside of group create the best outcomes.

The Dayton Transdiagnostic IOP is most effective when participants attend consistently, engage at their own pace, and practice skills outside of group.

The clinical team is here to provide guidance, structure, and support throughout your time in the program.

We are glad you are here and look forward to supporting you on your path forward.