Reach out to our team at 844.940.4407 or connect with us online to learn more.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Sometimes called DBT, dialectical behavior therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both are evidence-based treatments. That means they are based on scientific evidence of their effectiveness. The goal of this type of therapy is to teach people to have healthy ways of managing stress, improve emotional regulation, and live in the moment. You’ll also develop methods for improving relationships with other people.
This type of therapy focuses on the premise that those who are struggling with addiction often deal with emotional regulation problems. They are likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as using drugs and alcohol, because they cannot properly process and move beyond trauma, stress, or other complications.
Components of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
To help people explore new ways of thinking and improving emotion regulation, DBT incorporates several components:
- Core mindfulness: The focus here is living in the moment. That means paying attention to what is happening right now in real life and what is happening with feelings and thoughts. It helps a person learn to slow down and focus on healthy skills for managing emotional pain.
- Distress tolerance: In this component of dialectical behavior therapy, the goal is to accept yourself and the current situation. This may be done through distraction, self-soothing methods, or improving that moment itself.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: In this area, a person learns how to become more assertive within their relationships, such as learning how to talk more about what they need and communicate it in a more effective manner, which often means gaining respect for yourself.
- Emotion regulation: In this area, the goal is to work through emotions in more powerful and effective methods. That includes learning how to identify and change emotions as they are occurring.
In each component, this therapy provides hands-on support and strategies for managing the situation. It’s not just about talking about it. Rather, you’ll engage in both individual and group therapy where you’ll learn how to use DBT to help you in high-stress times or when your anxiety is worsening. By embracing this type of therapy, it is possible to feel more in control over your life. That means you are less motivated to use drugs or alcohol to battle tough situations.
Our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program in Portland, Maine
This type of therapy is one part of the individualized treatment plans we offer. Each person needs a different set of therapies to help them thrive and recover from addiction. Each session you have with us teaches you something different and helps you explore new ways of thinking. You’ll find this is the ideal way for you to build strength for your future. Some of the therapies we offer include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- 12-step meetings
- Holistic therapy programs
- Experiential therapy programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
Experience Compassionate Care at Casco Bay Recovery
The right therapy program for you is available at Casco Bay Recovery. Our trusted team of professionals can offer you the support and care you need to overcome addiction and mental health disorders, enabling you to build a life you love. Our dialectical behavior therapy program is one component of many individualized treatment plans. You can learn more about it and our other addiction treatment programs when you reach out online or call us at 844.940.4407.