What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an outgrowth of CBT, is evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed for treating individuals with borderline personality disorder and chronically suicidal behaviors. The chronic and pervasive self-destructive behavior, low self-esteem, and negative view of self associated with long-term addiction are similar to those chronically suicidal. DBT is highly effective and used widely in addiction recovery treatment programs.

At Victory Bay Recovery Center, we use a multi-pronged, person-centered approach that includes evidence-based modalities such as DBT therapy, along with social support and life skills training to craft unique, effective recovery treatment programs that address a wide range of substance abuse disorders. Call us today at [Direct] to learn more about how Victory Bay can help you or your loved one get effective substance abuse treatment.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that assists clients in breaking unwanted patterns of behavior using four different core skill sets.

Mindfulness Skills

Mindfulness skills teach the practice of being fully aware and present at the moment. DBT uses mindfulness practices to teach the client how to observe reality and be less judgemental. These are the first skills taught in DBT therapy.

Distress Tolerance Skills

DBT teaches clients how to tolerate intense emotions and survive demanding situations without making things worse. Effective distress tolerance includes both crisis survival skills and reality acceptance skills.

Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

Successfully navigating interpersonal relationships and conflicts is key to feeling successful in life and recovery. DBT teaches clients how to ask for what they want and how to say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others.

Emotion Regulation Skills

DBT teaches clients how to have more control over their emotions. Clients develop skills that help them change emotions that they can change and manage those that they cannot.

DBT and Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions are negative or irrational thoughts and perceptions that cause a person to have an inaccurate view of reality. DBT therapy assists clients in identifying cognitive distortions and creating new, more effective beliefs and perceptions. Some examples of common cognitive distortions include:

• Polarized Thinking: Thinking in absolutes and extremes, using words like “always” and “never.” Also called All-or-nothing or black and white thinking.
• Overgeneralization: Drawing broad conclusions based on a single experience and applying it to all experiences.
• Catastrophizing: Fearing the worst in everyday situations.
• Personalization: Believing one is responsible for events outside of their control, making events “all about me”.
• Mental Filtering: Ignoring the positive and focusing only on the negative factors in a situation, event, or relationship.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques

DBT therapists use worksheets and handouts to teach and practice skills. DBT therapy techniques are often represented by acronyms, which make the skills easy to remember and practice. The STOP skill, part of the distress tolerance skill set, directs clients to:

• Stop
• Take a step back
• Observe
• Proceed mindfully

DBT therapy is delivered in both individual and group settings and is highly effective in the addiction recovery treatment.

Discover What Victory Bay Recovery Center Has to Offer

Victory Bay Recovery Center is an outpatient behavioral health facility located in Southern New Jersey. Our highly effective programs utilize a unique blend of addiction treatment methods that include social support, life skills training, and evidence-based modalities, such as DBT, to craft truly individualized, effective recovery treatment plans. This multi-pronged approach affords our clients the best possible chance of maintaining lasting sobriety.

At Victory Bay Recovery Center, we know recovery because we live recovery. We offer outpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment that works. Call us today at [Direct] or contact us online to learn how our skilled clinicians and staff can help you or your loved one achieve sobriety.