Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a sub-type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Normally, doctors use CBT to help identify and modify negative thought patterns. Then, they can help clients achieve positive behavior changes. With a dialectical behavior therapy program in North Carolina, clients can quit their negative habits and learn a healthier way of living.

How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?

With the DBT at a North Carolina treatment center, clients can get help for self-destructive and suicidal behaviors. Often, people use dialectical behavior therapy for treating addiction because the therapy helps them cope and modify their behaviors.

This therapy receives its name because dialectal is a word that means integrating opposites. In this case, the therapy brings together acceptance and change to create the best results. Basically, the individual must accept their experience and where they are at now. This balances out their desire and need to ultimately change their behavior.

During the dialectical behavior therapy North Carolina centers provide, clients will typically encounter four sections of therapy. They will generally attend individual therapy, groups skills training, and phone coaching. Their health care providers may use a consultation group to discuss the client’s care.

After each treatment session, the counselor provides the client with a homework assignment. These assignments help clients practice new skills. Normally, the client has to write out a diary card each day to discuss their urges, behavior, skills and feelings.

How Does DBT Help?

Scientists often use dialectical behavior therapy to treat difficult, high-risk cases. Often, these clients already have several diagnoses for things like borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviors. When scientists use DBT, they notice improvements like shorter hospitalizations, better social functioning, and less anger. Individuals are less likely to drop out of treatment.

How DBT Works

Through the DBT North Carolina centers offer, each client will go through four essential stages of treatment. In the first stage, clients /learn how to treat self-destructive behaviors like self-injury and suicide attempts. Then, the second stage allows them to deal with problems that affect their quality of life. These may be issues like tolerating stress, dealing with interpersonal issues or regulating emotions.

In the third stage, clients will work on boosting their self-esteem and self-confidence. They will also get help in improving their relationships. The fourth stage of dialectical behavior therapy involves increasing relationship connections. In this stage, clients learn how to find joy in their day-to-day life.

When clients go to addiction therapy services, they get help with things like distress tolerance. Counselors help each client learn how to feel emotions like anger without resorting to drug use, impulsive actions, or self-injury. DBT helps clients recognize and change their emotions. It also teaches them mindfulness and an awareness of the present moment. Through DBT, clients can learn how to handle interpersonal matters and interact in an assertive, positive manner.

Discovering a Better Quality of Life

There are many different treatment options that can help clients achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle. From treating a drug addiction to alleviating depression, a quality treatment program can help with a range of different problems. DBT is merely one technique for changing the individual’s mental outlook and way of life.

In a treatment center, clients can get help with services such as:

No one deserves to live with the ongoing stress and pain of addiction. If you or a loved one suffers from substance use problems, Red Oak Recovery can help you become sober. Whether you need dialectical behavior therapy or trauma-informed care, we have the experience you need. Call us at 866.457.7590 today to find out more information.