Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s.
It was initially created to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has since been adapted and found effective for treating other mental health conditions characterized by emotional dysregulation and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
In this article, Shanti Recovery explores how DBT integrates principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with concepts from dialectics, which refers to the idea that two opposing forces can be true at the same time.
We’ll review the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy work in treating substance abuse addiction as well as mental health symptoms.
What are the Core Modules of DBT for Addiction Treatment?
The Four Modules of DBT
DBT typically consists of four modules, each focusing on different skills:
- Mindfulness: Skills to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Techniques to tolerate and survive crises and intense emotions without making the situation worse. The ‘opposite action’ skill is provided in this module, teaching clients to act opposite to their emotional urges to manage intense feelings.
- Emotional Regulation: Strategies to identify and change intense emotional responses, reduce vulnerability to negative emotions, and increase positive emotional experiences. Opposite action is also emphasized here as a core DBT skill for managing difficult emotions.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Tools to improve communication, assertiveness, and boundaries in relationships, helping individuals to achieve their goals while maintaining self-respect and relationships.
After completing these modules, DBT aims to improve multiple areas of a person’s life, including emotional regulation, coping skills, relationships, and behavioral skills, reflecting its broad impact.
Other Elements of DBT and Treatment Techniques
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Tools to improve communication, assertiveness, and boundaries in relationships, helping individuals to achieve their goals while maintaining self-respect and relationships.
Individual and Group Therapy: DBT is often delivered in both individual therapy sessions and skills training groups. The skills training groups provide education, practice, and reinforcement of the DBT skills provided to clients as part of the therapy protocol.
Ongoing skill development is crucial for both clients and practitioners to ensure effective management of behaviors and improved outcomes. DBT is delivered by specifically trained practitioners who guide clients through the therapeutic process.
Validation: DBT therapists emphasize the importance of validating clients’ experiences and emotions, even while encouraging change. Validation helps build rapport and trust between the therapist and client.
Behavioral Analysis: Similar to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT involves analyzing problematic behaviors, identifying triggers and consequences, and developing alternative responses. However, DBT was developed as an adaptation of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, incorporating acceptance and emotion regulation skills rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles, while also emphasizing mindfulness and distress tolerance.
Collaborative Approach: DBT therapists work collaboratively with clients, balancing acceptance and change-oriented strategies to help clients build a life worth living.
Application Beyond BPD: While originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has been adapted for various conditions such as substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, and PTSD.
Research has explored the effectiveness of DBT for a range of behavioral issues, including gambling, compulsive shopping, eating disorders, and problematic sexual behaviors (sex). DBT is also effective for other SUDs (substance use disorders) beyond the primary focus, supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction challenges.
Start feeling better today with Shanti Recovery & Wellness.
Start feeling better today with Shanti Recovery & Wellness.
The 3 Stages of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Stage 1: DBT is structured and typically delivered in stages, starting with stabilizing behaviors and achieving basic functioning.
Stage 2: Followed by addressing post-traumatic stress and other problems
Stage 3: and finally, working on improving self-esteem and self-actualization
Overall, DBT aims to help individuals regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and cope effectively with stress and crises, ultimately leading to a better quality of life. The success of DBT for addiction treatment depends on individual factors such as motivation, willingness, and engagement.
At the end of treatment, clients often experience reductions in addictive behaviors and improvements in emotional regulation and psychological flexibility, supporting lasting recovery.
Starting A Successful Recovery Journey with DBT
Where do you start on a successful recovery journey? You’ll find hope in knowing there are structured steps that can guide you forward. These include working toward abstinence from substances, actively participating in DBT group sessions where you’ll connect with others who understand your struggles, and practicing new skills in your daily life.
When you work with a specifically trained DBT therapist, you’re getting guidance from someone who knows exactly how to help you respond to temptations and negative consequences in healthy ways.
What’s exciting is that many people discover DBT offers practical strategies that actually work for managing cravings, reducing behaviors that don’t serve you, and making real modifications to old patterns that have been holding you back.
DBT Helps Address Setbacks Many Face in Their Recovery Journey
Have you ever experienced that crushing feeling after a setback? Many people face what’s called the abstinence violation effect, those overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame that can hit after a relapse.
Here’s where DBT really shines: it teaches you how to respond to setbacks with self-compassion and resilience, rather than falling back into old habits that keep you stuck. This approach helps reduce the chances of ongoing substance use and supports genuine long-term improvement in your mental health.
Consulting with A DBT Therapist for Help
Why should you consider consulting with a DBT therapist? It’s an important step in finding the best approach for your unique needs and situation. The scope of DBT extends far beyond substance use disorder treatment; it’s also proven effective for conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcoholism.
Researchers who have conducted multiple randomized controlled trials, including studies in Milan and other locations around the world, have seen significant reductions in substance use and real improvements in emotional regulation among people who received DBT. These improvements aren’t just about reducing self-destructive behaviors. They’re about developing healthier patterns and coping strategies that actually stick.
Finding A Support Network
What role does your support network play in all of this? The good news is that support from friends, family, and the broader recovery community is a key factor in successful outcomes, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.
DBT encourages you to build a network of support that can make a meaningful difference when you’re facing distress or temptations.
The therapy’s dialectic approach, balancing acceptance and change, empowers you to create lasting improvements in your life that you can feel confident about.
Financial Uncertainty
Are you wondering about the financial side of DBT treatment? Insurance coverage for DBT varies, but here’s some encouraging news: many insurance providers recognize its effectiveness and include it within their scope of covered mental health and substance use disorder treatments.
Shanti Recovery & Wellness works in-network with most insurance providers for our virtual IOP programs. Complete our insurance verification form or contact us for immediate assistance.
What to Expect on Your Recovery Journey with DBT
DBT is a powerful, evidence-based component of addiction and mental health care that really works.
By providing you with the skills and support you need to manage emotions, reduce behaviors that aren’t serving you, and respond to life’s challenges in healthy ways, DBT can help you create a more positive, consistent pattern of living that feels sustainable.
Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or seeking post-treatment support, DBT offers practical steps and ongoing guidance to help you move forward with genuine confidence and hope.
Up To 100% of Rehab Costs Covered By Insurance
Up To 100% of Rehab Costs Covered By Insurance
Find Support and Commitment for Recovery at Shanti
What does commitment to recovery really mean when you’re facing substance use disorders? The good news is that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers a foundational approach that goes beyond just wanting to stop self-destructive behaviors.
At Shanti Recovery & Wellness, we understand that your recovery journey requires consistent effort, the right support, and developing what we call a clean mind through evidence-based DBT skills training that actually works.
Our holistic, evidence-based program can help lead you on the path to sobriety. What’s more, you’ll be able to receive help and trusted treatment from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Reach out to us confidentially today for support and immediate assistance.