dialectical behavior therapyDialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was first introduced to assist with treating borderline personality disorders and those with serious suicidal tendencies. Research has shown that DBT can be successful in treating substance use disorders as well. This form of cognitive-behavioral therapy is used in therapy programs to help find constructive ways to deal with traumas, rebuild relationships, manage triggers, and as a dual diagnosis treatment.

At Solution Based Treatment, our team believes in the effectiveness of dual diagnosis treatment and dialectical behavior therapy for addiction. To learn more about DBT or any of our other addiction therapy programs, contact Solution Based Treatment today by calling 833.999.1941 or completing our online form.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical thinking is when you observe a situation from all different perspectives, so you can learn to react better to that situation. Whatever the issue, whether it be substance abuse or a mental health condition, dialectical behavior therapy at Solution Based Treatment helps break the issue down into manageable parts. This approach shines a light on every facet of your issue and its negative effects to help you better understand how to overcome them.

Dialectical behavior therapy generally consists of four main approaches, which are:

  • Skills training as a group
  • Individual therapy
  • Daily homework to stay accountable
  • Supplemental phone coaching sessions

DBT Strategies

There are 4 main DBT strategies that help address life skills in a positive way. These strategies include:

  • Relationships – Interpersonal relationships tend to help us see our self-worth more clearly in others. DBT teaches you the other side of this idea by seeing the value in your own eyes and not in others. By learning these skills, you will be able to interact more assertively and more successfully navigate conflict.
  • Mindfulness – Dwelling on past mistakes does not help in moving forward. Worrying about the future can cause equally as much unnecessary stress. Mindfulness techniques teach you how to live in the here and now. This part of DBT therapy will help you focus on the present, stop worrying about the future, or be upset about the past. It’s all about being more aware of your own self, as well as others, and quite literally living in the moment.
  • Managing control – The need to be in control easily leads to unwanted stress. This is especially true when it comes to trying to control things that are out of our control. An essential part of DBT is learning the ability to let that need to control go. Impulse control is also a part of this strategy. Being able to feel intense emotions without reacting impulsively is the goal.
  • Regulating emotions – We all have emotions, but managing them can be the most difficult part because you can’t just ignore them. By recognizing what emotions are associated with what triggers, you can work to eliminate destructive patterns.

The DBT Approach

At Solution Based Treatment, DBT approaches therapy in a very practical way. You can think of it as a four-stage process.

First, it treats the most self-destructive behaviors associated with the issue, like suicidal tendencies or self-harm. Then, start to address skills that directly affect everyday life, like managing and controlling emotions and confidence-building. Next, it focuses on improving relationships and how you view yourself. Last, DBT fosters a focus on the positive and eliminating the negative associated with the issue being treated.

Learn More About Dialectical Behavior Therapy at SBT Today

If you are curious about dialectical behavior therapy, contact our caring and compassionate team, and they will answer all the questions you may have. We work with both men and women and can also help with treating co-occurring disorders. In addition to DBT, our addiction therapy treatment programs include cognitive-behavioral therapy and group therapy. If you’re struggling with addiction, call our treatment team today at 833.999.1941 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation and get all of your questions answered.