Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
A Supportive Approach to Mental Health
In individual and group settings, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has proven beneficial for treating mood disorders and suicidal ideation, and for changing risky behavioral patterns such as self-harm, eating disorders, and substance use.
What is DBT at Cumberland Heights?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an 12-Step-based form of psychotherapy that acknowledges the challenges of managing intensely negative emotions in interpersonal interactions. DBT is an offshoot of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people recognize intensely negative emotions and transform them into positive thoughts and feelings. The word “dialectical” relates to the ability to hold conflicting viewpoints at once. DBT focuses on the concept that people struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues must harness the power of change and acceptance to heal.
A DBT trained therapist will work with you to uncover issues that may accompany your substance use disorder and equip you with coping skills to manage your illness and prevent a relapse.
The Benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
DBT can be a valuable component of addiction treatment because it addresses unhelpful beliefs that represent a barrier to making a positive change. While participating in DBT, you will focus on how substance use detracts from your quality of life, while simultaneously:
- Alleviating physical discomfort associated with withdrawal
- Avoiding triggers and cues related to drugs and alcohol
- Reinforcing healthy behavior
- Reducing cravings
What Can DBT Teach You?
Often, drinking and drug use begin as a misguided coping mechanism for dealing with depression, anxiety, or other issues. DBT is beneficial for treating addiction because of its unique approach to health and wellness. Successful use of dialectical behavior therapy will allow you to envision, articulate, pursue, and sustain new goals that are separate from your history of mental illness or substance abuse. By focusing on facts instead of feelings, DBT will teach you to leave challenges behind you.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises like meditation teach DBT participants how to absorb, observe and process what is happening to them in the moment.
- Distress Tolerance: Resilience tactics include temporary distraction, self-soothing, relaxation and, ultimately, acceptance.
- Emotional Regulation: In this stage of DBT, you can learn to pinpoint the source of an intense emotion and respond to it logically and appropriately.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: DBT will teach you how to confidently navigate social encounters. This portion of therapy focuses on interactions where the goal is to gain the other person’s respect.
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As a preeminent leader in clinically excellent, evidence-based practices and recovery success stories, Cumberland Heights is also Tennessee’s first ASAM-accredited treatment program. Our team of experienced addiction professionals will tailor a plan for your needs.
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You're taking the first step on your path to recovery. Reach out to us today by phone or by submitting the form below to initiate the admission process. Our team is available to answer your questions & provide the support you need to get started.
Confidential Assessment
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