Addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns can make it difficult to cope with challenging emotions. If you’ve ever lashed out at a loved one, found yourself excessively worried about past or future events, or found it difficult to set boundaries, know that you’re not alone. These are common struggles for people who are in recovery, and there is help. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that can help you manage the distress associated with difficult emotions, develop healthy coping skills to better manage stressors, and build personal resilience.
At Gemini Recovery, we utilize dialectical behavior therapy in both individual and group therapy sessions. As part of our well-rounded approach to treatment, DBT helps our clients build a strong foundation for recovery. The coping skills learned here provide our clients with the tools they need to face life’s challenges and support long-term sobriety.
Ready to take the next step? Call 888.341.2524 today to talk to our team about our addiction therapy programs and treatment for yourself or a loved one.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on acceptance and change. DBT combines the concepts of acceptance, mindfulness, and validation to help people cope with emotional distress. The goal of DBT is to help participants develop a greater understanding and acceptance of their feelings and teach them the skills necessary to effectively manage those emotions.
DBT is based on the following core tenets:
Mindfulness
Learning to live in the present moment can be challenging. Especially for those who have been struggling with addiction and mental health issues, the past and future can seem to be all-consuming. DBT helps clients learn how to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Through mindfulness, clients can learn to become aware of their emotions in the present moment and not let them dictate their actions.
Emotion Regulation
Challenging emotions can be overwhelming, leading to impulsive behaviors. In DBT sessions, clients learn how to identify and manage these emotions in order to control their reactions. Instead of responding with reactivity, clients learn to understand and make sense of their feelings.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
A key component of sobriety is learning how to build healthy relationships, and DBT can help. Through this therapeutic approach, clients learn how to set boundaries, communicate their needs clearly and respectfully, and navigate relationship conflicts in a constructive way.
Distress Tolerance
Finally, DBT promotes distress tolerance: the ability to accept uncomfortable situations and not react impulsively. When faced with a stressful situation, clients learn how to practice self-control and focus on the moment without being overwhelmed.
What to Expect in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
At Gemini Recovery, our dialectical behavior therapy program is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. Sessions might include individual therapy sessions focused on teaching clients the tools needed to manage their emotions. Group sessions are also used to teach clients the skills needed to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Sessions might focus on topics like:
- How to handle strong emotions
- Setting boundaries and communicating needs
- Practicing mindfulness
- Identifying and managing triggers
- Developing strategies for stress management
- Learning how to make informed decisions
As you work to become your healthiest self, we’ll provide support every step of the way.
Contact Gemini Recovery Today
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you find the right treatment option for yourself or a loved one. Our dialectical behavior therapy in Pennsylvania can help you work through the underlying issues driving your addiction and equip you with the skills needed to build a lasting recovery.
Reach out to our team at 888.341.2524 or connect with us online to get started.
