Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, often referred to as DBT, was created by Marsha M. Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP, in the 1970s. It is a modified version of another type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Originally used to help treat borderline personality disorder, it is now used to treat many types of mental health disorders. As well, some DBT programs in Massachusetts use it to help treat people who have substance use disorders. 

Using DBT helps people change the ways they think, feel, and react to situations and emotions in more positive ways. They learn to replace unhealthy coping skills with healthy ones, thus enabling them to make better choices and enjoy more stable relationships. DBT therapy is done over several sessions with a trained therapist.

The Components of DBT

Therapists teach the people they treat the four main components of DBT. Each one provides a way to help improve the coping skills of the individual and how they view the world. Together, all of the components work in tandem to provide overall improvement in a person’s mental health and sobriety. The four components of DBT used in DBT programs in Massachusetts include:

Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps people learn to live in the present and acknowledge what is currently going on. They observe their surroundings and themselves without attaching judgment to anything by engaging in mindfulness exercises during therapy sessions.

Distress Tolerance: The individual learns to tolerate negative or troubling situations and emotions without resorting to using unhealthy coping skills. They learn that they can tolerate distress in a healthy manner without falling apart or abusing alcohol or drugs.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: This component teaches people how to have healthier and more satisfying personal relationships with others. They understand how to set boundaries and respect those set by others. When people enjoy better communication and healthy give-and-take in relationships, they develop self-respect and confidence. 

Emotional Regulation: This helps people avoid becoming overwhelmed by their emotions. Instead, they learn to identify what they are feeling and control their emotions so they don’t overwhelm them or lead to negative, unproductive reactions. 

How Can DBT Help Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis Disorders?

DBT can help people who enter treatment to help them overcome a substance use disorder. Sadly, many people who have an addiction also have a mental health disorder. The good news is that using DBT can help them improve their symptoms of mental illness while also learning to stay sober. For example, distress tolerance can help someone who has a history of immediately drinking or getting high when they feel upset or stressed out instead make healthier choices. 

DBT also helps people look at unhealthy urges and do the opposite. For example, someone who wants to isolate can instead make an effort to get together with someone or just get out of the house for a couple of hours. This type of engagement reduces the chances that they will relapse. Because of how effective DBT can be in treating both addiction and dual diagnosis, many addiction treatment programs in Massachusetts include it as part of their menu of therapies.