Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Gathering as much information as possible is always beneficial before making a big decision. Finding help for a substance use disorder is one of those big decisions and can be a big step toward taking your life in the direction you want it to go.
There are many options for addiction therapy programs, and one of those options is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This type of therapy can be combined with other treatments and focuses on helping patients deal with big or overwhelming emotions. At Evoke Wellness, we understand the importance of emotional health and strive to give our patients the tools they need to achieve it, including a dialectical behavior therapy program.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a form of therapy similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. It was developed in the 1980s to treat patients who struggled with intense emotions that were difficult to overcome. DBT focuses on giving patients the tools they need to keep their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. It encourages them not to project too far into the future when this causes depressive episodes or destructive behaviors. This treatment can be done with individuals or in group therapy settings and can treat various emotional and mental disorders, including personality disorders.
The foundation of DBT lies in mindfulness or in bringing one’s attention to the present. This helps individuals stay in touch with what they are feeling and not react negatively based on challenging emotions. A dialectical behavior therapy program aims to teach patients four skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. Some ways that these goals are achieved are through practices like:
- Self-soothing
- Mindful breathing
- Weighing pros and cons
- Understanding interpersonal interactions
- Learning critical thinking in stressful situations
Mindfulness leads to acceptance, which is what the core of DBT is. Helping patients to accept their uncomfortable feelings in day-to-day life can free them of unhealthy coping mechanisms they have used in the past. Once patients become more mindful, they can learn valuable tools that help them think, feel, and interact more positively with themselves and others.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction
While the teachings of DBT could be helpful for anyone, people in recovery might benefit significantly from them. There are more than just physical and mental aspects to addiction, and it is essential to address the emotional difficulties that often accompany sobriety. DBT can help individuals to learn ways to emotionally regulate in the challenging situations they are sure to face sober and help them to prevent falling prey to relapse.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
While DBT was developed to treat personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, it has proven effective in helping many patients. Like many therapies, DBT can be combined with other approaches like residential treatment or medication therapy to help each patient seeking help with an addiction address their individual needs.
DBT seeks to calm painful emotions, bring someone to the present, make them understand themselves, and learn to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most patients can benefit from DBT, and a lot of modern research has found that DBT can be more effective than modalities like CBT in persons with a neurodivergence such as ADHD or autism.
DBT Programs at Evoke Wellness
If you are searching for a dialectical behavior therapy program in Florida, Evoke Wellness may be the place you’ve been looking for. Located in Miramar, Florida, Evoke Wellness is here to help you understand your options for treating addiction. We offer treatment services, including DBT, and have trained professionals dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families. Contact us at 866.931.9312 to learn more today.
