Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Chicago 

What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy? 

Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is a psychosocial therapy approach that is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy but focuses more on emotions and the social aspects of the patient’s life. During DBT treatment, a trained professional will have a one-on-one discussion with the patient to assess the problems surrounding these specific aspects of their life. 

The professional will help the patient come to recognize their emotions and learn to better manage them as well as cope with their negative feelings. The patient and counselor will also work together to examine the relationships in the patient’s life, how to move forward, and how to build healthier relationships. DBT has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including mood disorders, suicidal behavior or ideation, and substance abuse disorders. 

The DBT Modules 

Just as addiction is a multifaceted disease, so is this effective treatment method. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and each individual that undertakes it will possess their own unique qualities to consider. That is why dialectical behavior therapy employs four modules that give a comprehensive approach to recovery. 

The 4 Modules of DBT include: 

• Mindfulness: This is the practice of being completely present in the current moment. Considering the fact that substance abuse is typically a means of escape from one’s problems, learning how to practice genuine mindfulness is extremely important. 
• Distress Tolerance: In life, we are going to face difficult and sometimes painful situations. As opposed to running or harming oneself as a means to escape that, DBT seeks to develop the patient’s tolerance to these difficult scenarios. 
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: This step involves learning how to stay firm in one’s own needs, remembering to advocate for those needs, but also maintaining healthy relationships while sticking to those boundaries. 
• Emotional Regulation: As the name would suggest, this involves learning how to shift emotions that are causing harm or discomfort. 

All of these steps highlight the usefulness of this method and why our DBT center in Chicago is such an effective tool for people in need of Illinois addiction treatment. 

Using DBT for Addiction 

Especially during early recovery, recovering addicts are often subject to a rollercoaster of emotions. These emotions may include times of triumph but often include many negative feelings. Recovery can be overwhelming, and common withdrawal symptoms may be mood swings or depression. Using dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction treatment can help patients learn to cope with these negative emotions. They will come to understand that these emotions are valid and how to address them without letting them derail their recovery progress. 

Another common problem for addicts is personal relationships. Many addicts come to betray the trust of their loved ones because of their substance abuse problems, and the result is broken or damaged relationships. Sometimes addiction can also lead to unhealthy relationship dynamics. Along with therapy for family members of addicts, DBT for addiction can help people in recovery address these issues and learn how to move forward to create healthier and stronger relationships. 

Experience DBT in Chicago With Banyan 

Addiction is more than physical dependence. At Banyan Chicago, we believe that in order for our patients to be able to achieve long-term sobriety, they need to look at the big picture of addiction recovery during treatment. Dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction is just one therapy method we use at our facility to help patients with their recovery. Through the use of this programming and many others, we provide our patients with all of the tools they need to confidently reenter their lives after their treatment is complete and to minimize the possibility of relapse. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, do not wait to get help. Our Chicago addiction treatment center could be the answer you have been looking for. Call (888) 280-4763 now. 

Related Reading 

What Does Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Treat? 

Using the DBT Stop Skill for Recovery