Are you looking for an evidence-based and comprehensive approach to addiction recovery? If so, consider addiction therapy programs, such as one based on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This approach is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals become mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also teaches them skills for managing difficult emotions and improving relationships.
If you’re in the Show-Me State, there’s no reason to look further than DeNovo Recovery. Ask about our dialectical behavior therapy program in Missouri today. Call 816.208.8106 to speak with someone from DeNovo Recovery’s knowledgeable and experienced team about DBT in greater detail—what it is, how DBT for addiction treatment works, and what you can expect from our DBT program in Missouri.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based treatment developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. The main focus of DBT is to help people identify their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors while teaching them skills to manage difficult emotions in healthier ways. This includes learning to regulate intense emotions such as fear, shame, guilt, and anger. Additionally, DBT focuses on developing interpersonal effectiveness skills such as communication and problem-solving while bolstering self-esteem and self-worth.
How Does DBT for Addiction Treatment Work?
When used for addiction treatment, dialectical behavior therapy centers on helping individuals manage their emotions without resorting to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. This includes identifying triggers or situations that could lead to relapse and then developing healthy strategies for managing those triggers appropriately. Additionally, clients can learn how to use mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises when they feel overwhelmed or stressed by life events or cravings that may lead to relapse.
What Are the Benefits of DBT for Addiction Treatment?
There are several benefits when dialectical behavior therapy is part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program, such as the following:
- Reduces impulsivity, which can prevent relapse
- Improves self-awareness and understanding of emotions
- Enhances interpersonal relationships
- Increases motivation to change unhealthy behaviors
- Promotes effective communication skills
Most comprehensive addiction treatment programs include psychotherapy as one of their components. While some may stick with only cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—of which DBT is a subtype—it’s also crucial to consider dialectical behavior therapy. Research shows that dialectical behavior therapy can be a powerful tool for recovery when combined with other evidence-based treatment approaches.
DeNovo Recovery’s DBT for addiction treatment allows clients to develop skills to cope with life’s difficulties and improve their overall well-being. However, undergoing DBT not in combination with other forms of addiction treatment will not yield the best results.
What to Expect from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program for Addiction Treatment
In a dialectical behavior therapy program for addiction treatment in Missouri, you should expect individual counseling sessions with your therapist—usually once per week—and group therapy sessions where you can practice the skills you’ve learned with other clients. Additionally, most programs will include weekly phone calls with your therapist where you can discuss any concerns or challenges that arise during the week between sessions. Finally, some programs may incorporate additional services, such as art therapy or music therapy, depending on the client’s particular needs and preferences.
Find a DBT Program in Missouri at DeNovo Recovery
DBT is an effective approach to treating addiction because it helps clients become more mindful of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while teaching them new skills for managing difficult emotions without relying on drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Consider dialectical behavior therapy if you’re looking for an evidence-based approach to addiction recovery in Missouri. Contact DeNovo Recovery today at 816.208.8106 to learn more about what our knowledgeable and experienced team can do to help you achieve long-term success in your recovery journey.