Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Delaware
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at addressing negative thought and behavior patterns. The term “dialectical” refers to the idea that combining acceptance with change can yield better outcomes than focusing on one without the other. At Redemption Treatment Centers, DBT focuses on helping individuals understand and regulate their emotions by incorporating two major techniques: acceptance and behavior modification. These techniques help individuals gain insight into why they engage in certain behaviors, and teach them how to modify those actions. For individuals struggling with addiction, DBT can be a particularly beneficial tool. Continue reading to learn more about how our treatment center uses DBT to support recovery.
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The History of DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan while she was working at the University of Washington. Initially, DBT was created to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition characterized by emotional instability, self-harming behaviors, impulsivity, unstable relationships, and difficulty with interpersonal interactions.
Linehan’s personal experiences with mental health struggles deeply influenced her commitment to creating effective treatments. She recognized that traditional therapies for BPD were often insufficient, as they failed to address the intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors people with BPD experience. DBT, which emphasizes validation, acceptance, and the development of coping strategies, drew from mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Through extensive research, Linehan solidified DBT as a proven, evidence-based treatment. In 1993, she published the treatment manual Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, which laid the groundwork for DBT’s expansion beyond BPD to treat various other mental health and addiction-related issues.
How DBT Works
DBT operates on the premise that individuals who struggle with emotional dysregulation often act impulsively and destructively due to their inability to manage overwhelming emotions. Through a combination of emotion management, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills training, DBT helps clients create a life that feels more meaningful and manageable.
The therapy includes both individual sessions and group skill-building sessions. In individual therapy, the client and therapist work together to identify problematic behaviors, explore the underlying emotions and thoughts contributing to them, and develop coping mechanisms. Therapists challenge unproductive behaviors and thought patterns while offering validation and support, empowering individuals to manage their emotional experiences more effectively.
Some key aspects of DBT include:
- Helping individuals identify and join peer groups that discourage drug or alcohol use
- Encouraging patients to eliminate triggers such as drug paraphernalia and unhealthy relationships
- Boosting self-esteem and confidence to help maintain sobriety during challenging times
Group therapy is a crucial component of DBT, as it allows individuals to learn behavioral skills in a supportive environment. These sessions typically cover:
- Skill Modules: Patients learn four core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Peer Support: The group dynamic fosters a sense of community, enabling participants to support each other and apply newly learned skills.
- Guided Practice: A trained therapist leads the group through discussions and exercises that reinforce the skills taught.
Combining individual therapy with group sessions ensures that clients receive holistic, well-rounded support in their recovery journey.
What DBT Therapy Achieves
In the context of addiction treatment, DBT can be highly effective. Here’s what DBT aims to accomplish:
- Emotional Regulation: Helping individuals recognize and manage intense emotions, preventing emotional distress from leading to substance abuse.
- Mindfulness: Encouraging individuals to live in the present moment, reduce impulsivity, and observe their thoughts and feelings non-judgmentally.
- Distress Tolerance: Teaching practical strategies to cope with difficult emotions and stressful situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills to create healthier interactions and set boundaries.
- Dialectical Thinking: Helping individuals accept conflicting emotions and balance acceptance with change for more effective decision-making.
- Behavioral Change: Supporting clients in altering self-destructive behaviors and working toward specific, attainable goals.
- Therapeutic Relationship: Building a supportive, validating relationship with a therapist to create a safe, collaborative environment for addressing challenges.
- Skill Training: Offering structured sessions to teach essential DBT skills, which are reinforced in both individual and group settings.
- Integration into Daily Life: Assisting individuals in applying DBT skills to everyday situations, managing triggers, and preventing relapse.
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The Four Stages of DBT Treatment
DBT is typically broken into four stages, each focusing on different aspects of a person’s life and recovery process.
- Stage 1: Stabilization and Safety
This stage addresses the most urgent and dangerous behaviors, such as self-harm and suicidal tendencies. The primary goal is to create stability and ensure the individual’s safety. - Stage 2: Emotional Processing
With safety established, the focus shifts to improving emotional health. Clients work on managing emotions, developing effective relationships, and enhancing distress tolerance. - Stage 3: Self-Worth and Interpersonal Skills
This stage aims to build self-esteem and improve interpersonal relationships. Clients are encouraged to develop a healthy self-image and cultivate positive relationships. - Stage 4: Personal Growth and Fulfillment
The final stage emphasizes personal growth, achieving fulfillment, strengthening relationships, and pursuing goals that align with the individual’s values.
Benefits of DBT for Addiction Treatment
Addicts often find themselves pushing loved ones away due to the behaviors and actions tied to their substance abuse. These negative patterns of thinking and behavior can deteriorate relationships and make recovery more challenging. DBT addresses these patterns by helping individuals understand how their emotions and thoughts contribute to their addiction and how to change them.
While DBT is often used for mental health treatment, it’s particularly effective for addiction because it focuses on the emotional and behavioral patterns that drive substance abuse. During DBT sessions, clients work with a licensed therapist to explore the root causes of their addiction and identify how their actions and thoughts have influenced their substance use. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan that works to address both the mental and emotional aspects of addiction.
At Redemption Treatment Centers, we understand that addiction often goes hand-in-hand with mental health struggles. While individuals are undergoing addiction treatment, it’s essential to address the underlying emotional components in order to achieve lasting sobriety. Our DBT program provides the support and guidance necessary to help individuals rebuild their lives.
CBT vs DBT
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are both evidence-based approaches, but they differ in key ways:
- Target Population:
- CBT is widely used for a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, making it versatile across a range of mental health issues.
- DBT was originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has been adapted for those with emotional dysregulation and substance use problems.
- Mindfulness and Acceptance:
- CBT emphasizes cognitive restructuring, with mindfulness practices occasionally integrated.
- DBT places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance as core elements of treatment.
- Distress Tolerance:
- CBT may not focus as heavily on distress tolerance compared to DBT.
- DBT dedicates significant attention to teaching distress tolerance skills.
- Structure:
- CBT typically follows a structured format.
- DBT combines individual therapy with group skills training, with a strong emphasis on the dialectical principle of balancing acceptance and change.
DBT for Veterans
At Redemption Treatment Centers, we offer specialized DBT programs for veterans. These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of military personnel, addressing challenges such as post-traumatic stress and emotional dysregulation. Through assessment, stabilization, skill training, trauma processing, and relapse prevention, DBT helps veterans navigate the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery.
Can DBT Be Practiced Independently?
While DBT is best facilitated by a trained therapist, individuals can still explore some aspects of it on their own. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can be practiced independently. However, professional guidance is crucial for effective application and for addressing deeper emotional issues.
Finding a DBT Therapist at Redemption Treatment Centers
If you’re interested in DBT therapy for addiction or mental health treatment, Redemption Treatment Centers can connect you with a qualified professional. Our team is ready to guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the care that’s right for you.
Individual Therapy Sessions
- Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma Informed Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- Therapeutic Family Reintegration
- Motivational Interviewing
- Building Life Skills
Group Therapy
- Smaller and more intimate groups
- Trauma Informed Environment
- Anger and Stress Management
- Stages of Change and Barriers
- Self Help Education: 12 Step Modalities
- Relapse Prevention
- Interpersonal Skills and Family Relationships
- Coping with Trauma
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Gratitude
- Expressive Art Therapy
- Neuroscience Psychoeducation
- Tobacco Education
- HIV/STD Education
Case Management
- Assist in aftercare planning
- Connections to safe, supportive, and reputable sober living homes
- Aid in providing medical leave or short-term disability paperwork to protect your employment (or Occupational Assistance)
- Provide referrals to outside medical providers
- Assist in applying for federal or state funded benefits
- Advocation regarding legal issues
- Assist in Utilizing and navigating Community Resources