
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Helping clients achieve emotional regulation.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based practice that has been shown to aid the patient in achieving emotional regulation within their life. DBT recognizes that many of our emotional disturbances occur because we are emotionally dysregulated - we experience emotions intensely and they take over. DBT helps us cope with emotions in a healthy, sustainable way.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Addiction
A major component of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is the concept that two opposing ideas can be present at the same time. Another word for this is "ambivalence." In relation to an individual dealing with a substance use disorder, the two thoughts may be, “I want to see my life without the use of drugs,” and “I want to continue getting comfort and relief in the most dependable way I know.” Having awareness around this type of thinking allows us to recognize what is going on and choose to feed energy into a path that leads to wellness.
Goals of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
After consistently participating in DBT clients will be able to:
Regulate their emotions
Develop skills and boundaries in interpersonal relationships
Tolerate distressful situations
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is especially helpful with clients that exhibit impulsive behavior. By helping clients experience a sense of validation during times of ambivalence, they are more empowered to choose a pathway that leads to wellness, as opposed to acting impulsively based on an intense emotion and moral judgement.
