How Can Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Benefit One’s Recovery?
When in treatment for mental illness or addiction, psychotherapy provides clients with the opportunity to uncover some of their past and work through troubling emotions that haven’t been properly processed and managed yet. Psychotherapy typically occurs in individual and group forms, and a variety of approaches may be used, depending on the client’s concerns, learning styles, and overall needs. If you are currently in therapy, you will be able to work closely with your therapist to develop tools towards restoring your mind, body, and spirit; dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a common method used that has proven its efficacy through research.
DBT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment method that emphasizes individual and group skills in training classes that involve mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and more. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the following are a few fundamentals covered with DBT:
- Ability to modulate strong emotions through inhibiting inappropriate behavior, organizing oneself for coordinated action, self-soothing physiological arousal
- Acceptance and validation of behavior as it is in the moment
- Refocus in the process of experiencing strong emotions
A 2017 study published in the journal Translational Behavioral Medicine sought to explore the barriers and facilitators of clinicians implementing DBT; of a national program evaluation survey, approximately 42% of sites offered all four modes of DBT, with skills group being the most utilized mode of treatment. The following benefits were perceived by clinicians implementing DBT:
- Increased hope and functioning for clients
- Greater self-efficacy
- Greater compassion for providers
- Ability to treat unique symptoms at clinics
Whether you’re seeking therapy and may be on the receiving end of DBT, or you’re a clinician learning more about implementing this treatment method into your own practice, DBT can be very helpful in a person’s journey to recovery. One person shared their personal experience with DBT therapy on Mind.org, a UK website. Here is an excerpt from their story:
“What I liked about the skills group was that the focus was not on traumas we had been through but instead on learning new skills to cope with crisis and better ways to understand our emotions and behaviors.”
Overall, DBT can provide clients with a new way of thinking – while it may seem uncomfortable at first, the exercises are meant to help shift your perspectives towards thoughts that will improve your mental health and well-being. If you haven’t already, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about treatment programs to best suit your needs. It’s never too late for you to begin your journey to recovery.
Created by professionals for professionals, our Professionals Treatment Program utilizes industry proven practices for fully restoring professionals back to better health. We serve multiple industries with our specifically catered programs and services, providing life changing care for addiction and co-occurring issues. Call us today to book an appointment: 855-422-4129
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