Substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental health issues have been successfully treated with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) since researchers first developed it in the 1970s. Based on an earlier and also highly effective behavioral modality called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT provides a whole-person approach to treatment that’s based on principles of mindfulness to achieve emotional regulation.
Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders, DBT skills can help you. If you’re interested in learning about the benefits of DBT, contact the compassionate and knowledgeable team at The Right Step Houston.
The Principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy builds on four principles, namely:
- Mindfulness – This practice enhances mental clarity and helps you become less reactive in the face of upsetting emotions or difficult life circumstances.
- Distress tolerance – Being able to tolerate distressing situations means you’re less likely to rely on substances to cope in your daily life, making recovery possible.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Healing your relationships is often a priority when you’ve been struggling with substances, emotional and psychological distress, or both. DBT helps you improve your interpersonal relationships by teaching you how to be honest and vulnerable about your feelings while also empowering you to set healthy boundaries.
- Emotional regulation – The ultimate end goal of DBT is the ability to manage your emotions without turning to substance misuse. Mindfulness practices make this possible, as does the ability to communicate well and handle distressing circumstances.
The skills you develop in DBT can be applied throughout life, enhancing your mental health and quality of life and healing emotional wounds.
The Benefits of DBT
Once you learn to incorporate the core pillars of dialectical behavior therapy into your life and mindset, you’ll experience numerous advantages. Some of the benefits of DBT include:
- Improved crisis management skills – DBT helps you manage your reaction to distress and crisis so you can make sound decisions about handling a crisis rather than being defeated by it.
- Increased resilience—The confidence gained from improved communications, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation means you’ll be increasingly resilient in the face of everyday life challenges, even the tough ones.
- Better self-esteem – Your acceptance of yourself and your ability to value your individuality amplify your self-esteem, as does realizing you’re no longer at the mercy of your emotions and reactions.
- Improved mood – Depression and anxiety that may have plagued you in the past are better managed, meaning you’re mentally more healthy and emotionally sturdy.
- An end to self-sabotage – Often, the improvements you’ll see from DBT help you get even more out of DBT. You no longer sabotage yourself, including your therapy, because you’re better able to communicate, quiet your mind, and control your emotional response to distress, both real and perceived.
- Better quality of life – The overall lift to your life experience is often the most dramatic result of DBT. Using your new DBT skills, you’ll find many minor and significant results that enhance your well-being and quality of life.
Throughout life, you’ll use the DBT skills you learned while in treatment. You’ll be healthier in terms of your substance use, mental wellness, relationships, work-life balance, and so much more.
Start Dialectical Behavior Therapy at The Right Step Houston Today
Dialectical behavior therapy offers a transformative approach to mental health and substance abuse recovery, equipping people with essential skills to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity. DBT fosters lasting emotional stability and personal growth, the benefits of which extend beyond treatment, shaping a healthier, more fulfilling life. With DBT, people can break free from self-sabotage, improve relationships, and cultivate a sense of inner peace, ultimately empowering them to live with confidence and purpose.
We’ve seen so many people improve their lives through dialectical behavior therapy. This powerful modality’s real and tangible benefits are available at The Right Step Houston. Simply use our online form or call 1.844.768.0169 to get started on the path to health and wellness.