What is DBT? If you’re looking for help with an addiction, you’ve likely run across something called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In an evidence-based method of therapy, DBT treats a wide variety of mental health illnesses. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in Tampa, FL is primarily useful for positively impacting behavior patterns.
So, exactly what is DBT?
What is DBT Used For?
DBT was originally used for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Personality disorders cannot be “cured”; they are related to how people think and perceive the world. Instead, behaviors associated with personality disorders can be positively impacted for better patient outcomes.
Because DBT is used to shape behavior in those with personality disorders, it can also be used for issues such as substance abuse and self-harm. When behavioral patterns have to be addressed, DBT can help.
DBT vs CBT
You may have also heard of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in Florida. CBT came first with DBT as a variant. CBT focuses on creating positive thought patterns, much like DBT. DBT differs with a stronger emphasis on relationships and emotional control. Dialectical thinking is a special type of thinking that involves seeing an issue from multiple perspectives in the effort to come to the best possible conclusion.
When it comes to borderline personality disorder, many people find that they have issues controlling their moods. Mood swings can make it difficult to maintain interpersonal relationships, or even working relationships.
People with borderline personality disorder can share some issues with those who have substance abuse problems, as substances can also make it difficult for people to manage their emotions and interpersonal relationships effectively.
CBT is still used for the treatment of many substance abuse issues, and DBT and CBT may be used together for some patients. Many of the skills and techniques have some overlap, and it may depend on the type of therapy that a center specializes in.
What is DBT Treatment?
DBT treatment involves four core strategies. These strategies are explored throughout treatment as sets of exercises and coping skills. The strategies are as follows:
- Mindfulness- Mindfulness-based therapy in FL covers being more aware of your feelings. In terms of substance abuse issues, you may need to be aware of the triggers that cause you to abuse substances or the feelings that are associated with abusing substances. It’s like emotional regulation, but it also asks you to be present within the moment, rather than thinking about the future, consequences, and other issues that could lead to substance abuse or other negative behaviors.
- Interpersonal effectiveness- This covers how you interact with other people, whether you’re able to advocate for yourself effectively, and whether you’re able to see the point of view of other people. It involves finding new ways to solve personal problems for the greater benefit of all involved parties.
- Distress tolerance- This covers accepting certain levels of distress, rather than reacting to these levels of distress in a non-positive way. For instance, someone might feel stressed at work due to a change in their situation, but because they cannot change that situation right now, instead they need to cope with it. Someone who abuses substances may find themselves trying to alter their levels of distress through substances.
- Emotional regulation- This covers being aware of and managing emotions specifically. Many people struggle to identify the emotions that they’re feeling, and if they do identify those emotions, they can’t figure out where those emotions came from, or what might alleviate them. Having the language necessary to describe emotional issues and the tools necessary to react to them can help.
Treatment Options
Skills learned in DBT treatment aren’t just helpful for those with substance abuse issues or those with borderline personality disorder; they’re useful in general for everyone. Treatment sometimes coincides with medication or can sometimes be entirely separate from treatment. DBT opens up new opportunities for recovery by building a strong relationship with a therapist for motivation and increased capability. Together with the following programs, DBT programs provide a better recovery:
- Day-night rehab program in Tampa
- Young adult rehab program in FL
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) in FL
How Can You Get DBT Treatment?
DBT treatment is commonly given in therapy centers that focus on rehabilitation. If you feel as though DBT treatment could help you, it’s a good idea to pursue this type of treatment. Contact BoardPrep Recovery Center® experts at 866.796.4720 to schedule a consultation.
