Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) originally developed in the late 1980s to treat borderline personality disorder better. Since then, it has been adapted to help treat several other mental health disorders and is commonly used to treat substance use disorders. DBT therapy places emphasis on the connection between social factors and individual thoughts and behaviors.
Harmony Hills is proud to offer a dialectical behavior therapy program as part of our overall evidence-based treatment approach. To find out if DBT would benefit you or your loved one, call us at 855.494.0357 to speak with an intake specialist.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
A talk therapy, the main goals of DBT are to help people learn to regulate their emotions, develop healthy ways to manage stress, and improve their relationships with others. DBT is especially effective in treating individuals who exhibit harmful or self-destructive behaviors like eating disorders and addiction. Individuals work with a therapist to develop acceptance and promote behavioral changes simultaneously.
There are four key components of DBT, referred to as modules. Two of them focus on acceptance, and the other two on behavioral change. They are:
- Mindfulness. The first step used to promote acceptance, mindfulness involves observing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment and teaches you to be present at the moment.
- Distress tolerance. This second acceptance skill helps you cope with challenging situations and emotional pain by accepting them for what they are and letting go of what you think they should be.
- Emotional regulation. This teaches you to identify specific emotions at the moment and learn how to control them and express them in healthy ways.
Interpersonal effectiveness. This teaches you how to improve the way you communicate in relationships with others, clearly state your needs, and set healthy boundaries.
The dialectical behavior therapy program at Harmony Hills consists of individual therapy, group therapy, and phone coaching. Our therapist consultation team works to ensure that the needs of each of our clients are being met. Call us today at 855.494.0357 to learn more about DBT.
Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for You?
Research has shown that DBT is an effective therapy regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other identifying factors. DBT helps people identify and build upon their strengths. Through DBT, individuals learn new ways of thinking that help them become more successful in interpersonal relationships and ultimately lead to a better quality of life. DBT might be right for you if you suffer from mental health issues such as:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Eating disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Self-harm disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
As is the case with most mental health treatment therapies, the level of success you can achieve with DBT depends greatly upon your willingness to participate in the process fully. Both individual and group therapy sessions incorporate “homework” that you need to do in between sessions to learn to incorporate the skills you are being taught into everyday life. This is where the phone coaching component of DBT is especially beneficial, as it provides support in between sessions. If you think DBT is right for you, call Harmony Hills at 855.494.0357 to get started.
Get Started with DBT Treatment at Harmony Hills
Deciding to seek treatment for addiction or a mental health issue is a tremendous first step toward a life of recovery and healthy living. The team of professionals at Harmony Hills has the experience and dedication to help make your treatment a success.
We understand that taking this step can be frightening, as you may be feeling uncertain about what to expect. After evaluating your needs with a thorough intake process where we get to know you, our team will ensure that you are fully prepared. Reach out to us today by calling 855.494.0357 to determine how our dialectical treatment program can be part of your recovery.
