Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Pathway to Change
Dialectical Behavior Therapy at SCA Recovery
1:1 Client Counselor Ratio
Personalized support designed around you, not a group average.
90%+ Completion Rate
Our approach leads to higher program engagement and success.
Whole-Person Healing
We treat trauma, mental health, and addiction together for lasting change.
Led by Those in Recovery
Founded by people who’ve lived it. Guided by those who understand it.
A Proven Approach
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavioral therapy was created after cognitive behavioral therapy to address some of the issues some patients had with the CBT form of psychotherapy. Originally, dialectical behavior therapy was used with patients with personality disorders and mood disorders to help them with their negative, destructive, self-defeating behaviors, and work with them on creating a positive image with sustainable new skills.
Patients undergoing dialectical behavioral therapy work with a therapist as an ally. The therapist doesn’t always challenge the beliefs of the client and instead validates these emotions and feelings. This method causes the client to feel that their coping strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma were useful at the time. With the therapist, the client works to develop positive behaviors and coping strategies to use to combat stress and trauma and live a more positive, fulfilling life.
A Meaningful Shift
How is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Important in Addiction?
When an addict is undergoing treatment for addiction, there are times when a therapist is seen not as an ally but as an adversary. When you are trying to change a behavior, such as addiction, that has been heavily reinforced for years, the therapist needs to be one of your most important allies while the two of you explore your substance abuse triggers and how you can change them.
Mindfulness & Present Awareness
The first stage of DBT focuses on observing your thoughts and behaviors without judgment so you can better understand your reactions. You’ll work on staying grounded in the present moment and reducing the pull of past or future worries.
Building Social & Interpersonal Skills
During the second stage, you and your therapist concentrate on improving communication and navigating stress in social situations. You’ll develop practical skills that help you handle conflict and build healthier relationships.
Managing Negative Emotions
The third stage involves identifying and processing negative emotions with your therapist. You’ll work toward reducing emotional barriers and developing positive strategies that support healthier emotional responses.
Strengthening Distress Tolerance
In the fourth stage, you focus on building coping strategies that help you manage stressful situations more effectively. You’ll reflect on which approaches serve you best and continue reinforcing habits that support lasting stability.
Dialectical behavioral therapy focuses on changing past behaviors you’ve used to cope with stressors in your life and creating healthier, positive coping skills. Mindfulness and the ability to notice your own triggers are key in DBT. When you can identify these triggers without judgment, and work toward changing the behavior, you’ll be well on your way out of addiction and moving toward a more positive, optimistic outlook.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy is one tool of many strategies and therapies we’ll work on with you to help you achieve your personal rehabilitation goals. If you have questions about dialectical behavioral therapy or our treatment programs at SCA Recovery, reach out to us today, and let us help you live a fulfilling life without drugs or alcohol.