CBT and DBT are the two most common types of psychotherapy used to help those struggling with addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are known as “staple” therapies. This means that both can help a wide variety of mental health disorders, not just addiction. However, the general public is generally not aware of what exactly CBT and DBT are. For many, they are a mystery or just two different words for the same thing. Though there are indeed some similarities, CBT and DBT have key differences that allow them to specialize in their addiction treatment abilities.
Understanding what CBT and DBT are doesn’t just help those looking for mental health care. It also helps de-mystify treatment and lessen fear and apprehension. Seeking help for the first time can indeed be an overwhelming experience. Knowing what to expect can be helpful and make the treatment process less stressful. It also helps those who have loved ones seeking treatment, lessening the fear they may have for their safety. Overall, it’s always good to be informed, especially when it comes to something important like your mental health.
The Similarities Between CBT and DBT
CBT and DBT share a similarity in that they are both types of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is also known as “talk” therapy. It is administered either on an individual basis or as part of group therapy. Clients undergo both CBT and DBT by talking to their treatment provider (or therapist). This provider then uses their skills to guide their clients to healthier behaviors and mindsets. CBT and DBT also both rely on trust and understanding between the client and treatment provider to be effective. They are also commonly utilized as part of holistic treatment philosophy, as both promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Another similarity between CBT and DBT is just how common they are in addiction and mental health treatment. Clients at Painted Desert Recovery, for example, typically use group therapy as part of their addiction treatment program. You would be hard-pressed to find a mental health care or addiction treatment facility that doesn’t have CBT and DBT as part of their offered therapies. Though they are commonly used psychotherapies, there are several major differences between the two. These differences are important and play specific and specialized roles in addiction treatment.
The Differences Between CBT and DBT
There are major differences between CBT and DBT that determine how they help someone overcome addiction and other mental health disorders.
CBT helps clients identify and change unhealthy thought patterns that negatively influence their emotions and behavior. The goal is then to replace these unhealthy thoughts and behaviors with healthy ones. In the context of addiction treatment, CBT is used to help clients understand the underlying causes of their addiction. It allows them to change these thoughts and behavior patterns that keep them trapped in addiction. Clients learn healthy coping skills such as self-monitoring, problem-solving, and goal-setting. CBT is used for addiction treatment as well as to help those with anxiety, depression, phobias, trauma, and panic disorders.
DBT helps clients who experience emotions intensely. DBT also assists clients by helping them manage their relationships with others. This is done by teaching clients important skills such as emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and the ability to communicate effectively. It allows clients to assert themselves healthily, stand up for themselves, and communicate their needs in relationships. DBT is most commonly used for those who struggle with personality disorders and addiction, but it also helps treat bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and self-harm tendencies.
Psychotherapy in Addiction Treatment
As mentioned before, both CBT and DBT are commonly seen in addiction treatment because they work so effectively together. One therapy will address the needs of someone in addiction treatment that the other cannot. Addiction treatment facilities like Painted Desert Recovery make sure that clients have all their bases covered when it comes to treatment. If treatment cannot address all the needs of the client, then it won’t be effective. It’s why CBT and DBT are so important to the addiction treatment process, as they are easy to work into an individual’s treatment plan.
CBT and DBT are also effective together because they help treat those with a co-occurring mental health disorder. This is when someone is struggling with addiction as well as another disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. When someone has a co-occurring mental health disorder, they must get treatment for both disorders at the same time. If they do not, the disorder not being focused on can worsen, causing a see-saw effect that lengthens the treatment process. By utilizing CBT and DBT as part of addiction treatment, clients can recover as a whole, leading to a healthier life.
It’s okay to be nervous at first when undergoing CBT and DBT. Extending trust and opening up about the things that hurt you is a lot to ask of someone. That’s why time is taken to build trust between the client and the treatment provider. Taking the time to get to know each other allows for understanding and safety. As a client, you can trust that your treatment provider will not judge or use what you tell them against you. They are there to help you overcome what is harming you so you can heal. Once you open up, you may be surprised at what you can accomplish with the help of CBT and DBT.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are some of the most common forms of psychotherapy a client encounters in addiction treatment. Both play different roles in helping someone overcome their addiction and achieve recovery. What a client needs to achieve this goal depends on the individual. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients can always expect quality and comprehensive addiction treatment. With compassionate and respectful staff and treatment providers, women everywhere can find a safe place to recover and grow. Anyone can recover from addiction with the right treatment and willingness to accept help. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out for help at (844) 540-0353.
