Therapy has amazing potential when it comes to improving personal mental health. Whether the issue is of minor or major proportions, therapists can provide an objective perspective and reveal unknown coping mechanisms and tools that can be used during times of hardship. Sometimes, however, the average ordinary talk therapy session just isn’t enough when suffering from more severe forms of mental illness. In these instances, exploring the available addiction therapy programs in North Carolina is vital to ensure that one finds the best treatment possible. One such option is dialectical behavior therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of psychological counseling for those suffering from acute mental illness and stress.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that caters to those with personality disorders and other severe mental illness conditions. The DBT approach was first developed by Marsha M Linehan and focused on the integration of opposites within the mind. Specifically, these opposites pertain to one’s ability to handle acceptance and change. By focusing on these core concepts, DBT has been shown to improve a variety of mental health issues, such as:
- Depression
- Substance abuse issues
- Personality disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- ADHD
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Mood disorders
- Binge-eating disorders
Several therapy-based services can be utilized to treat the conditions listed above. However, dialectical behavior therapy holds a very special place among them because of its four-layered approach.
How Does DBT Differ from Other Forms of Behavioral Therapy?
Among the various forms of behavioral therapies, whether acceptance commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or cognitive-behavioral play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy stands out because of its curriculum. The four facets of this approach are as follows.
1. Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance is commonly practiced in many types of behavior therapy and teaches patients how to cope with feelings of impulsivity and anger without acting on them or defaulting to substance abuse and self-harm.
2. Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation teaches patients how to identify different emotions and encourages them to think deeply about the relationship between their feelings and actions.
3. Mindfulness
Another core concept of dialectical behavior therapy is the practice of mindfulness, or the conscious act of being aware of one’s self, one’s emotions, and the emotions of others.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal effectiveness teaches patients how to navigate complex social situations while avoiding conflict and practicing communication skills.
This approach allows dialectical behavior therapy to probe deeply into the issues most affecting patients, creating a treatment plan tailored specifically to their needs.
Finding a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program in Asheville, North Carolina
Finding a dialectical therapy program in Asheville, North Carolina, can prove challenging. Dialectical behavior therapy can take many forms, but with countless treatments available today, how is one supposed to know which program best suits them? The curriculum of these programs can vary, but common to the vast majority are the following:
- Individual therapy – Individual therapy sessions allow patients to explore their stress in a space that is safe from the eyes of the outside world
- Group therapy – Group therapy provides the same benefits as individual therapy but in a more open and social setting. Group therapy is an excellent opportunity for patients to learn social skills and practice their newly learned coping mechanisms in a social setting.
- Phone coaching – phone coaching acts as an extra safety net for patients experiencing crises between sessions.
- Consultation groups – Consultation groups are a resource not for patients but for therapists and other health care providers. These groups provide a space for therapists to discuss and discover new approaches to treatment and offer additional perspectives when needed.
Each approach works with patients to develop and hone new skills to help them manage stress and address the types of conflict common throughout everyday life.
Insight Recovery and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Programs in Ashville, North Carolina
At Insight Recovery, we offer a wide range of services such as dialectical behavior therapy and addiction therapy programs in North Carolina provided by a team of dedicated, experienced professionals. For more information on Dialectical behavior therapy and other forms of mental health treatment, contact us today at 828.826.1376.