Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Able to Change Recovery
Struggling with addiction, mental health, or both (known as dual diagnosis issues) can be challenging. Thankfully, there are several evidence-based treatments to help the healing process, including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a tested approach that helps people find a new balance in life. DBT provides practical skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships, giving clients the tools for healthier ways of coping.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.[1] Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to grow emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.[2]
The therapy emphasizes the balance between accepting oneself and striving for change, guiding individuals to navigate the complexities of their emotions and behaviors with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Through DBT, individuals learn to build resilience, improve their relationships, and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life by integrating practical skills with deep emotional understanding.
DBT for substance use, addiction, and mental health is delivered by trained mental health professionals who have specialized training in this therapeutic approach. Sessions typically occur in various settings, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and even online platforms, to ensure accessibility and flexibility. In individual therapy, a therapist works one-on-one with clients to address personal challenges and develop coping skills, while group therapy provides a supportive environment for learning and practicing new skills with peers.
At Able to Change Recovery, our DBT practitioners are dedicated to creating a safe and empathetic space where you can explore and address the root causes of your struggles. Whether in a private setting or a group, our goal is to equip you with the tools needed to navigate life’s difficulties, fostering a journey towards lasting change and personal growth in recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
How (and Why) DBT Works
DBT is a highly effective treatment approach that works by addressing the core challenges many individuals face in managing emotions, relationships, and behaviors:[3, 4]
- A balanced approach: DBT uniquely combines acceptance and change strategies. It teaches people to accept themselves for who they are while simultaneously working on positive changes, creating a balanced path to recovery.
- Skill-based learning: DBT provides concrete, practical skills in four key areas:
- Mindfulness: Staying present and aware
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with difficult situations
- Emotion Regulation: Managing intense feelings
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving relationships
- Comprehensive support: DBT typically involves individual therapy and group skills training, offering multi-faceted support for lasting change.
- Emphasis on validation: By acknowledging and accepting your experiences, DBT helps reduce emotional pain and builds a foundation for change.
- Focus on behavioral patterns: DBT helps clients identify and modify unhelpful behaviors, replacing them with healthier alternatives.
- Evidence-based: Numerous studies have shown DBT’s effectiveness in reducing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse while improving overall quality of life.
- Life-long skills: The techniques learned in DBT become lifelong tools, empowering you to handle future challenges with confidence.
One of DBT’s greatest strengths is its versatility. While originally developed for treating borderline personality disorder, DBT has shown remarkable effectiveness across a wide spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders. It has been successfully adapted to treat depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. In the realm of addiction, DBT has proven particularly valuable for those struggling with alcohol and drug dependence. The skills taught in DBT – such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation — are universally beneficial, making it an excellent approach for individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders or complex mental health challenges.
The Efficacy of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for mental health and addiction treatment has proven to be a remarkably effective treatment approach, with benefits that extend far beyond the therapy room. Participants consistently report that DBT has a profound and lasting positive impact on their lives, even years after completing the program.[5] This therapy empowers individuals by giving them a sense of control over their lives and equipping them with the tools to manage setbacks and navigate difficult situations with resilience. Moreover, DBT contributes significantly to the development of healthier and more meaningful relationships, a crucial factor in long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Originally developed to address the most debilitating symptoms of borderline personality disorder, such as self-injury and suicidal behaviors, DBT has since demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions.[6] It is now successfully employed in the treatment of depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. DBT for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) has also been shown to be effective. This adaptability makes DBT an invaluable tool in addressing the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders, which are common in addiction recovery.
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of DBT’s efficacy is its universal applicability. DBT skills training can benefit anyone, regardless of their specific diagnosis. By teaching individuals how to navigate emotionally charged situations with greater ease, DBT provides a set of skills that enhance overall quality of life.
What to Expect from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Group skills training is a core component of DBT where participants learn and practice four essential skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These weekly group sessions are educational and interactive, providing a supportive environment to learn from both the facilitator and peers. Participants receive homework assignments to practice these skills in their daily lives, gradually building their ability to manage emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships.
As individuals progress through DBT, they can expect to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional control. The therapy encourages a balance between accepting oneself as they are and working towards positive change. While DBT can be challenging at times, many participants find it empowering and transformative. They learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, effectively communicate their needs, and handle crises without resorting to harmful behaviors. With consistent effort and practice, participants often notice improvements in their ability to navigate life's ups and downs, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life experience.
DBT Therapy at Able To Change Recovery
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Able to Change Recovery helps individuals build the skills and resilience needed to overcome addiction and mental health challenges. Our compassionate clinical team is dedicated to guiding clients on their journey to recovery and well-being. With a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies and a supportive environment, clients are empowered to make meaningful changes and develop a balanced approach to life.
Partner with Able to Change Recovery to start healing today with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, and all of Orange County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Orange County
Yes, DBT can be effective in treating anxiety disorders by helping individuals develop skills to manage distressing emotions and reduce avoidance behaviors. DBT for anxiety (and DBT for depression, DBT for dual diagnosis, and other mental health concerns) is flexible and adaptable for several issues.
DBT helps with emotional regulation by teaching clients skills to identify, understand, and manage their emotions more effectively, reducing impulsive reactions and promoting emotional stability.
During their first DBT session, individuals can expect to discuss their goals, learn about the DBT structure and skills, and begin developing a plan to work on their specific needs and challenges.
[1] Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). (2022, April 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22838-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt on September 12, 2024
[2] Chapman, A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: Current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 3(9), 62–68. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/ on September 12, 2024
[3] Gillespie, C., Murphy, M., Kells, M., & Flynn, D. (2022). Individuals who report having benefited from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): a qualitative exploration of processes and experiences at long-term follow-up. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 9(8), 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8885141/ on September 12, 2024
[4] Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). (n.d.). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt on September 12, 2024
[5] Gillespie, C., Murphy, M., Kells, M., & Flynn, D. (2022). Individuals who report having benefited from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): a qualitative exploration of processes and experiences at long-term follow-up. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 9(8), 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8885141/ on September 12, 2024
[6] Corliss, J. (2024). Dialectical behavior therapy: What is it and who can it help? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-what-is-it-and-who-can-it-help-202401223009 on September 12, 2024