Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques are one of several types of treatment available to help with drug and alcohol addiction treatment as well as some mental health disorders. DBT allows a person to better control more of their thoughts and the resulting actions. DBT therapy is one of the services offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery and tends to be a component of most patients’ care. To learn more about dialectical behavioral therapy in Colorado, contact us online or call 833.448.0127 to speak to our compassionate, professional team.
Understanding DBT
DBT therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment program. It is designed to provide people with healthy ways to manage stress, a better ability to manage emotions, and the ability to live in the moment. In many ways, it can help improve the quality of life.
Initially designed to help those with borderline personality disorder, today, it is commonly used for the treatment of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. DBT is also heavily used in substance use disorder treatment.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Able to Do?
DBT therapy helps a person develop a range of new skills. They may work in an individual or group setting to achieve these goals. The ultimate goal is to help people navigate complex problems and stress. Some of the key benefits include:
- Learning to accept, tolerate, and manage challenges in life.
- Understanding how to analyze problems and destructive behavior patterns so they can be changed to better outcomes.
- Exploring how to change thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and actions that are unhelpful.
- Improving communication skills with other people, improving their ability to achieve goals.
- Developing skills to manage the challenges a person faces with substance use disorders.
Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques
Dialectical behavior therapy techniques are those used by therapists to encourage and manage change. Some examples of these include:
- Core Mindfulness – This technique encourages people to pay more attention to the present moment and their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judging them. It can help individuals become more aware of what triggers their addictive behavior patterns.
- Distress Tolerance – This teaches patients how to cope with distress in a healthy way so that they don’t turn towards drugs or alcohol when feeling overwhelmed.
- Emotional Regulation – People learn how to identify difficult emotions as well as how to manage them in a healthier way than self-medicating with substances.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – People learn communication skills such as assertive techniques, which allow them to communicate effectively and navigate challenging social situations without relying on substance use for comfort or relaxation.
These behavior therapy techniques can lead to increased confidence, better communication, improved relationships, and a better overall quality of life. Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides an individualized plan to match the needs of each patient best.
Incorporating DBT Therapy into Treatment
DBT is often a component of the evidence-based therapy we offer at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Individuals will first receive comprehensive screenings and an assessment to determine if this type of therapy is best. If DBT therapy is recommended, it becomes a part of treatment along with other therapies. Dialectical behavior therapy techniques are learned over a period of several sessions and practiced in both individual and group sessions. For many, this type of therapy is encouraging and easy to embrace because of the impact it adds to their life and the control it provides.
Some of the other therapies available include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy program
- Group therapy programs
- Individual therapy programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Mental health treatment
Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
Dialectical behavior therapy is one of the tools available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. DBT therapy may be one component of care a person receives through our treatment programs. For those ready to explore dialectical behavior therapy techniques, the first step is an assessment and consultation. To get started, call 833.448.0127 or connect online to learn more about DBT.