Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy originally intend to help people dealing with a borderline personality disorder. Further research showed that DBT therapy also proved beneficial to individuals dealing with other conditions like depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. The skills clients learn about in DBT assists them in navigating difficult real-life situations.
What Can I Expect from Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy can be conducted in individual or group therapy sessions. Participants gain an understanding of skills that can help them:
- Learn to regulate their emotions
- Raise their stress tolerance level
- Learn to be mindful and present in every moment
- Deal with negativity
- Communicate more effectively
Clients can find ways to become more emotionally stable as they work toward recovery. It’s also a way for them to assess and accept responsibility for the damage they caused when they were addicted to drugs or alcohol. DBT can be a way forward for individuals who might not be progressing under other therapy models.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on learning strategies to help clients with problem-solving and acceptance. There are five major components of DBT therapy.
- Capability enhancement — Clients learn to further develop existing skills that help them become more emotionally balanced.
- Generalization — The therapist guides clients through techniques that show them how to use better communication skills in different settings like school or work.
- Motivational enhancement — Therapists use individualized behavioral treatment plans to help clients deal with any problematic behavior that causes adverse effects in their life.
- Capability and motivational enhancement of therapists — Therapists receive constant reinforcement that keeps them motivated and able to help clients.
- Structured environment — Therapists help clients learn to use their positive behavior skills in different therapeutic settings as they progress toward recovery.
DBT therapy typically starts by getting clients stable. You may be having thoughts of self-harm or doubts about your ability to complete a treatment program. The therapist works with you to get you to a more stable place where you are more prepared to deal with your issues.
Next, you and the therapist start exploring the experiences that drove your addiction. They work with you to deal with emotional pain and trauma and learn how to manage them in ways that do not involve substance abuse.
Ideally, you move on to a stage where you are increasing the quality of your life by continuing to attend DBT sessions and reporting back on your progress. You continue to build upon the skills learned in DBT and carry them forward into your daily life.
Benefits of Dialectical-Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy can be helpful to clients with a dual diagnosis. Many clients come into treatment with an inability to focus on what’s real. DBT helps show clients how to focus on facts versus their interpretation of different situations. That allows them to accept responsibility for their actions, allowing them to progress toward understanding what they must do to repair broken relationships. DBT can help you:
- Have better insights into your life
- Learn to build companionships with your peers in treatment
- Become accountable for the mistakes you’ve made
- Build a support system
- Feel that you aren’t alone in your path to recovery
Because DBT takes a more philosophical approach to treatment, it can be ideal for helping people with addiction. There’s no black-or-white dynamic at work. It can be adapted to suit a client’s need and provide them with the chance for the best outcome.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Midwest Detox Center
Midwest Detox Center offers various therapy options for clients looking to overcome addiction and other mental health issues.
Find out more about our programs and services by calling Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online.
