Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Banyan Treatment Center

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that addresses patterns of negative thinking and behavior. The term “dialectical” refers to the idea that bringing acceptance and change together can offer better results than addressing one or both separately. Banyan's dialectical behavior therapy focuses on incorporating two major techniques to help patients accept their thoughts and emotions to better understand how to regulate them. Acceptance techniques are used to help patients understand why they turn to certain behaviors and teach patients how to adjust their behaviors. Someone who struggles with an addiction can benefit greatly from dialectical behavioral therapy. Keep reading to learn how our addiction treatment center utilizes this unique method for recovery.

This History of DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was created by psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s while employed at the University of Washington. She initially developed this treatment strategy to assist people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition marked by emotional instability, harmful behavior toward oneself, impulsive actions, intense and unstable relationships, and issues with interpersonal interactions.

Linehan had personal experience with mental health issues, and her own road to recovery fueled her commitment to creating effective treatments. Recognizing the shortcomings of conventional BPD therapy techniques, which often fail to address the powerful emotions and self-destructive behaviors that BPD sufferers face, she developed DBT. This approach placed emphasis on validation, acceptance, and the development of coping mechanisms, drawing on mindfulness techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Linehan was influenced by the dialectical theory of philosophy, which holds that knowledge and understanding can coexist. She conducted substantial research, improving and establishing DBT as an empirically supported treatment through studies and clinical trials. In 1993, she published the comprehensive treatment manual, "Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder." Since then, DBT has gained popularity and has been successfully used to treat various other mental health issues, including mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders, significantly improving the lives of those struggling with complex emotional and behavioral issues.

Questions about our Facilities or Programs?

Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.

Talk To Our Team

How Does DBT Work?

DBT operates on the notion that people who struggle with emotional dysregulation act impulsively and destructively as a result of their inability to control their strong emotions. Through the teaching of a variety of techniques for emotion management, distress management, and enhancing interpersonal relationships, DBT tries to assist clients in creating a life that is worthwhile.

DBT includes both individual treatment sessions and skill-building groups. In individual therapy, the client and therapist collaborate to identify problematic behaviors, explore underlying thoughts and feelings, and develop practical coping mechanisms. The therapist challenges unhelpful ideas and habits while providing validation and support, empowering clients with essential tools to better manage their lives.

Some common components of dialectical behavior therapy include:

Helping patients find peer groups that discourage drug and alcohol use
Encouraging patients to eliminate triggers such as drug paraphernalia or unhealthy relationships from their lives
Boosting self-esteem and confidence to help patients stay sober through stressful periods

What Does DBT Therapy Do?

In the context of addiction treatment, DBT can be a valuable component. Here's an overview of what DBT therapy aims to achieve:

Emotional Regulation:
- Assist individuals in recognizing and regulating intense and overwhelming emotions.
- Teach skills to manage emotional distress without resorting to substance use as a coping mechanism.
Mindfulness:
- Integrate mindfulness practices to enhance awareness of the present moment.
- Cultivate non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions to reduce impulsivity.
Distress Tolerance:
- Equip individuals with practical strategies to tolerate distress without engaging in harmful behaviors.
- Teach healthier ways to cope with stress and crises.
Interpersonal Effectiveness:
- Enhance communication and relationship skills.
- Teach assertiveness and boundary-setting to improve interpersonal interactions.
Dialectics:
- Encourage individuals to accept and tolerate contradictions and conflicting emotions.
- Foster the ability to balance acceptance and change for more effective decision-making.
Behavioral Change:
- Address and modify self-destructive behaviors by promoting positive behavioral changes.
- Establish and work toward specific, realistic goals.
Therapeutic Relationship:
- Establish a supportive and validating therapeutic relationship.
- Work collaboratively with individuals to identify and address challenges in a non-judgmental environment.
Skill Training:
- Provide structured skill training sessions to teach and reinforce specific DBT skills.
- Skills include distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Integration into Daily Life:
- Assist individuals in applying DBT skills to their daily lives, including managing triggers and avoiding relapse.
- Encourage the integration of learned skills into various aspects of life for sustained recovery.

The Benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment

A pattern of behavior that is most common among addicts is pushing their loved ones away. Many individuals with drug or alcohol abuse problems struggle to maintain healthy relationships with others. Not only can their addiction affect the way their mind works, but they may also act out in ways they normally wouldn’t in order to get high. Even high-functioning addicts eventually run into relationship problems. While unhealthy relationships can result from substance abuse, they can also cause it. Regardless of the circumstances, the individual’s thought patterns and behaviors need to change for a full recovery.

While DBT is also used for mental health treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction focuses on negative patterns of thinking and behavior that feed into the person’s addiction. During dialectical behavioral therapy, patients will have the opportunity to sit down with one of our licensed therapists to discuss the root of their addiction and how their thoughts and actions have affected their disorder. From there, both parties can work together to create an effective treatment plan.

At our drug and alcohol rehab, we believe that no matter the person’s situation, substance abuse disorders are often intertwined with mental health issues. While our patients undergo treatment in one of our addiction treatment programs, they also need to address the underlying mental aspects of their condition in order to achieve sobriety. Our DBT program helps patients who may feel as if they’re alone in this experience, offering them the care and support they need to transform their lives.

Getting into treatment is easy with our free insurance verification

"*" indicates required fields

What Is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?

Both dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are evidence-based therapeutic modalities, but they differ greatly in their goals, backgrounds, and focus on particular skills.

Key distinctions between CBT and DBT are as follows:

Target Population:
- CBT: Frequently used for a variety of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and other psychological issues, CBT is broadly applicable across a range of mental health conditions.
- DBT: Created for people with borderline personality disorder, DBT has been modified to help people with intense emotional dysregulation, self-harming behaviors, and other issues.
Emphasis on Acceptance and Mindfulness:
- CBT: Mindfulness practices are not a fundamental part of CBT, although they may be incorporated. The main goal of cognitive restructuring is to alter thought and behavior patterns.
- DBT: Places a strong emphasis on acceptance and mindfulness as essential elements of treatment. DBT relies heavily on mindfulness techniques, which are taught to help people control strong emotions. These techniques include observing, describing, and participating.
Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation:
- CBT: Although CBT deals with emotional regulation, it might not give distress tolerance skills as much of an emphasis as DBT does.
- DBT: Distress tolerance and emotional regulation are key components of DBT. People who find it difficult to control their intense emotions can benefit from techniques like opposite action and radical acceptance.
Structure of Therapy:
- CBT: Usually given in a more ordered and structured way. The main goal of sessions is to recognize and confront particular ideas and actions.
- DBT: Blends group skills training with individual therapy. While the group sessions concentrate on teaching and practicing skills related to mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation, the individual therapy focuses on specific issues.
Dialectics:
- CBT: While dialectical thinking is utilized in CBT, it is not as essential to the methodology.
- DBT: Dialectics is a fundamental component of DBT therapy, which entails accepting contradictory facts and striking a balance between acceptance and change.

While goal-oriented and skills-based approaches are common to both CBT and DBT, their main distinctions are in the skills they emphasize, how they balance acceptance and change, and their primary targets. The needs of the individual and the type of mental health issues they are experiencing often determine which of CBT and DBT is best.

How DBT for Veterans Works

As one of the few addiction treatment facilities that offer rehab programs for veterans, we’re able to create treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of our veterans and military personnel. This method operates as a structured and specialized therapy approach that acknowledges the distinct experiences and needs of those who have served in the armed forces.

Rooted in evidence-based methods, DBT for veterans encompasses the core components of traditional DBT with an emphasis on the unique challenges faced by individuals of this demographic. Clients undergoing this form of psychotherapy in our military and veterans recovery program will go through the following steps:

Assessment: This program begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand the veteran's history, experiences, and specific challenges. Establishing trust is crucial, allowing the therapist to gain insight into the veteran's emotional landscape and tailor the treatment approach accordingly.
Stabilization: Veterans often experience emotional challenges, post-traumatic stress, and impulsive behaviors. In this stage, emphasis is placed on stabilizing crises and improving emotional regulation through mindfulness practices and distress tolerance skills.
Skills Training: Through structured group sessions, veterans can practice the components of DBT and learn how to apply them in a safe space.
Trauma Processing: PTSD is common to many veterans and military personnel, unfortunately, which is why our DBT therapy for veterans focuses intently on trauma processing and recovery. This stage of therapy is centered on addressing past traumatic experiences through evidence-based trauma-focused interventions.
Relapse Prevention: As veterans progress through these stages, they begin to integrate the skills they’ve learned in therapy into their everyday lives. The focus shifts to identifying triggers, practicing coping strategies, and preventing relapses into negative behaviors.
Maintenance: The final stage centers on veterans transitioning from therapy to daily life. Gradually, clients can utilize the skills they’ve acquired within their homes, workplaces, and other areas of their lives.

Get Started Today!

During their time at our addiction treatment center, patients will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of therapies and programs, including psychotherapy, mindfulness, and yoga. These programs are held in both individual and group settings, giving the patient opportunities for one-on-one time with therapists and time to build peer support. In order to help patients acquire these tools, we incorporate a variety of therapies in each of our levels of care that address different aspects of the individual’s condition. Every patient who walks through our doors is different, so we want to make sure we’re offering individualized care that will meet their needs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, contact us or call us at (855) 908-0663 today for more information about our DBT programs.

Available at the Following Locations

Alaska

Outpatient Substance Use Disorder

Banyan Alaska

4701 Begich Circle
Wasilla, AK 99654

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Banyan Treatment Center

This History of DBT

Questions about our Facilities or Programs?

How Does DBT Work?

What Does DBT Therapy Do?

The Benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Getting into treatment is easy with our free insurance verification

What Is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?

How DBT for Veterans Works

Get Started Today!

Available at the Following Locations

Banyan Alaska

Banyan Boca

Clearbrook Massachusetts

Clearbrook Pennsylvania

Banyan Pompano

Banyan Sebring

Banyan Stuart

Banyan Philadelphia

Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches

Banyan Castle Rock

Banyan Texas

Banyan Heartland

Banyan Chicago

Banyan Delaware

Banyan Gulf Breeze

Banyan Palm Springs

BanyanMassachusetts

Seaside Palm Beach

Don't Let Financial Worries Stop You from Getting Treatment

Banyan
Massachusetts