Dialectical Behavior Therapy

There are as many approaches to treating mental health concerns and addiction as there are mental health professionals. At NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach that meets each client where they are. Our dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program in Massachusetts is one way we help our clients find healing and hope. This unique approach to mental health and addiction treatment is based on the belief that change is possible.

Addiction and mental health treatment can make a difference in your life. Dialectical behavior therapy is one way we help our clients find healing and hope. If you’re ready to take the first step, call us today at 888.568.2057.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. This approach to mental health treatment is based on the belief that change is possible.

DBT was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the early 1990s. She pioneered this unique approach to mental health and addiction treatment based on her own experience with borderline personality disorder.

Since its inception, dialectical behavior therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse

The core principle of dialectical behavior therapy is that change is possible. This approach to mental health and addiction treatment is based on the belief that people can change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Typically, sessions will last for one hour and will be conducted on a weekly basis. During dialectical behavior therapy sessions, clients will work with a trained therapist to learn skills that can help them manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

The Four Tenets of DBT

There are four core tenets of dialectical behavior therapy:

• Mindfulness
• Distress tolerance
• Emotional regulation
• Interpersonal effectiveness

Mindfulness

To be mindful is to live in a state of active, open and present attention to life and all that you have to be thankful for every day. In practicing mindfulness, you will learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and how to be present in your own life. Clients accomplish this through key mindfulness exercises practiced during therapy. 

Distress Tolerance

Instead of returning to substances to escape negative emotions, dialectical behavior therapy for addiction teaches distress tolerance. This will increase your tolerance of negative thoughts and feelings, as you learn to cope with the harmful triggers that once lead you down a dangerous path of drug and alcohol use.

Emotion Regulation

Substance abuse may mask mental health issues. During dialectical behavior therapy sessions, participants learn methods for managing their emotions and changing them for the better. 

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Many of those struggling with substance abuse face challenges in their relationships. Learning interpersonal effectiveness through dialectical behavior therapy gives them the techniques for communicating in a way that will maintain self-respect and build stronger, healthier relationships in the process.