Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is a type of psychotherapy that combines the goal-focused strategies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and coping strategies.
Who Would Benefit from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
DBT was initially developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, but it can also be used to help those with any type of emotional dysregulation. DBT teaches clients to accept and work with their intense emotions, rather than fight them.
It still utilizes the thought-emotion-behavior connection of CBT, therefore it can be used to treat many of the same disorders and mental health concerns, including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Suicidal Behavior
DBT is more beneficial for many individuals as it promotes validation and acceptance. Every person walks through life with unique experiences, and DBT gives people the tools to work through these experiences and the emotions and thoughts they cause.
The Pillars of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
As a version of CBT, the connection between emotions, thoughts, and actions are at the core of DBT, but it takes a bit more of a zen approach. It all starts by identifying and addressing the behavior patterns that the individual wants to change. Like traditional CBT, the individual then identifies the cognitive distortions and negative feelings that led them there. Rather than training your brain to swap negative reactions for positive ones, the client utilizes the fundamental pillars to move through and past the negative reactions.
MINDFULNESS
Perhaps the most important pillar, mindfulness involves a physical and mental look at yourself. Bring yourself to the present, and be deliberate with your thoughts and behaviors.
INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Many unhealthy behaviors include interacting with others. DBT helps you respect and love yourself in order to maintain healthy relationships.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
The things DBT is meant to treat generally involve intense, overwhelming emotions. Understanding them and what they do to you helps you manage them more effectively.
DISTRESS TOLERANCE
Utilizing the other three pillars will help individuals navigate difficulties that previously lead to unhealthy patterns.
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
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