Self-acceptance and living in the moment are not a hindrance to the quest for self-improvement. In fact, they are the seeds from which good health, personal growth, and achievement will sprout. This is the vital insight behind a dialectical behavior therapy program, a solution-oriented form of psychological counseling. A dialectical behavior therapy program focuses on empowering you to learn how to change and control your thinking patterns, emotions, and behaviors. This empowerment provides you a valuable tool during the recovery process.

What is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program?

Originally created for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven to be a powerful tool in the hands of therapists working with men and women suffering from depression, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders and substance abuse problems, among a wide range of mental health conditions. A dialectic behavioral therapy program is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders.

In a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) session, clients work to develop four types of skills:

• Mindfulness: DBT teaches the art of thinking, acting, and being in the moment, unburdened by history or expectations for the future. Clients learn to be in the here and now without judgment, observing feelings and urges without needing to “fix” them
• Distress tolerance: With DBT, clients learn to handle emotional pain, frustration, and disappointment without falling apart or surrendering to destructive coping mechanisms
• Interpersonal effectiveness: As they strive for empowerment, clients learn how to identify and ask for what they truly want and need
• Emotional regulation: DBT helps clients take charge of their emotional lives, so they will no longer suffer from difficult or painful feelings

A dialectical behavior therapy program can be incorporated into individual therapy or group sessions.

The Healing Power of DBT

As a specialized form of cognitive behavior therapy for addiction, DBT lifts the barriers that prevent men and women from achieving health, happiness, and freedom. Through DBT, those suffering from mental health disorders can learn how to accept who they are as a prologue to profound personal change.

A dialectic behavioral therapy program is also very beneficial in treating other conditions, such as substance abuse disorders. Dialectical behavior therapy for addiction helps you:

• Understand the root causes of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Learn healthy coping mechanisms to combat triggers and cravings
• Identify and change negative thinking patterns, emotions, and actions
• Gain a greater understanding of yourself

Recovery

Recovery from a mental health or substance abuse disorder is a process. When your mental health symptoms become severe, you can oftentimes neglect your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Overwhelming symptoms can make it difficult to complete your daily responsibilities, such as going to work or socializing with others.

When your mental health symptoms degrade, treatment takes time because your brain chemistry needs to re-adjust. Medications can help return neurotransmitter levels back to their normal range. However, it can sometimes take several weeks for them to become effective. A dialectic behavioral therapy program is therefore especially useful when you are in the process of stabilizing your mental health.

• When you struggle with an addiction, your drug and alcohol use can
• Cause legal and financial problems
• Damage your physical and emotional health
• Impair your judgment
• Hurt your personal relationships
• Prevent you from working or going to school

Like mental health issues, addiction takes time to heal from. Not only does your brain have to re-learn how to properly release neurotransmitters, but your body also needs time to repair itself. This is why it is a good idea to seek treatment through addiction treatment center programs.

Finding Help Today

When you are trapped in addiction or crippled by mental health symptoms, reaching out for help is the most important step in the recovery process. Evidence-based treatments, such as a dialectical behavior therapy program, can greatly reduce your symptoms and help you achieve life-long recovery. If you are ready to start your recovery process or want to know more about dialectical behavior therapy for addiction and mental health, contact us today at 844.875.5609.