Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) initially developed in the late 1980s to treat borderline personality disorder. Since then, DBT has been adapted to help treat various other mental health disorders. DBT is also frequently used to treat substance use disorders (SUD). Dialectical behavior therapy emphasizes identifying and replacing unhealthy thinking and coping strategies with ones that promote emotional regulation to improve relationships, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
Ashwood Recovery is proud to offer a dialectical behavior therapy program as part of our comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach. To determine if DBT would benefit you or your loved one, call us at 888.341.3607 to speak with an intake specialist.
The Many Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with concepts from mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. DBT is problem-focused and action-oriented. The skills acquired through DBT can be employed in all areas of life, not just to manage symptoms of specific conditions. Some of the many dialectical behavior therapy benefits include the following:
- Emotional regulation – Teaching patients effective strategies to regulate their emotions is a core component of DBT. Emotional regulation includes identifying emotions, tolerating distressing emotions, and developing healthy ways to manage intense emotions.
- Mindfulness skills – DBT incorporates mindfulness practices to help patients stay present at the moment and cultivate acceptance. These skills improve self-awareness, enhance coping skills, and reduce rumination and worry.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – DBT emphasizes improving interpersonal skills. Patients learn practical communication skills, assertiveness, and how to set appropriate boundaries.
- Distress tolerance – DBT equips patients with strategies to tolerate distressing emotions and situations without resorting to harmful or impulsive behaviors.
By addressing emotional dysregulation, improving interpersonal skills, and teaching effective coping strategies, DBT helps patients improve their overall quality of life. DBT fosters increased self-esteem, better decision-making abilities, and resiliency.
Can You Benefit from DBT?
Research has shown that dialectical behavior therapy is effective regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other identifying factors. DBT helps patients identify and build upon their strengths. Through DBT, patients learn new ways of thinking that help them become more successful in interpersonal relationships, ultimately leading to a better quality of life. DBT might be suitable for you if you struggle with challenges such as:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm or self-injurious behaviors
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders (SUDs)
- Co-occurring disorders
Like most mental health treatment therapies, patients’ success with DBT depends significantly on their willingness to participate fully. Both individual and group therapy sessions incorporate “homework” that must be done between therapy sessions to learn to integrate newly acquired skills into daily life.
Additional DBT Benefits at Ashwood Recovery
At Ashwood Recovery, dialectical behavior therapy is not a stand-alone treatment but can be integral to a patient’s comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.
Addiction specialists and mental health therapists highly regard DBT to help patients:
- Reduce levels of self-harm and other destructive behaviors
- Decrease suicidal thoughts
- Increase mental flexibility and practical ability to cope with stress
- Regulate and amend unproductive or maladaptive thought patterns
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Develop a healthier self-image
- Increase the ability to identify triggers and apply coping skills
- Reduce impulsivity
- Improve overall functioning and a better quality of life
Through DBT, patients learn how to ask for what they want and need in healthy ways while learning to set appropriate boundaries to maintain respect for themselves and others.
Discover the Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Ashwood Recovery
Deciding to seek treatment for substance use, mental health, or co-occurring disorders is a courageous first step toward a life of recovery and healthy living. The team of professionals at Ashwood Recovery has the experience and dedication to make treatment successful for yourself or your loved one.
Our compassionate team provides a thorough intake evaluation to determine the best treatment plan to meet each patient’s unique needs and ensures everyone knows what to expect. Contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn more about the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy.