What Is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program?

Mental health issues are at an all-time high in the US. Currently, one in five adults has reported feeling depressed, anxious, or struggling with other mental health issues like addiction within the last year. And 2022 is on track for a continuing increase in this trend. A dialectical behavior therapy program can help those struggling with severe depression or other mental health issues. 

At Arkview Recovery Center, we use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help patients with severe mental health issues who may be at risk of suicide or serious self-harm. Our team will determine if a dialectical behavior therapy program is suitable for your individual needs during your initial evaluation. If you or a loved one is struggling with severe mental health issues, call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our compassionate staff about our dialectical behavior therapy program.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy initially created to help patients with borderline personality disorders (BPD). Today, dialectical behavior therapy is the preferred method for treating BPD and many mental health issues like depression and PTSD.

DBT is a strategy that teaches patients about acceptance and change. The word dialectical means integration of opposites. Therapists accept patients’ experiences and reassure them so they can begin focusing on making real changes in their lives. 

There are four components of a dialectical behavior therapy program:

Skilled-Training Group

Patients begin working on changing their behaviors in a classroom-like setting where a therapist will assign daily homework so they can practice their new skills at home. 

Individual Treatment

Individual therapy focuses on the patient’s unique situation and events that are causing the negative behavior. 

DBT Phone Coaching

Phone coaching can help when patients face a troubling issue in their daily lives and need to speak with someone to help them relax and avoid any risky or self-destructive behavior. Therapists will talk directly with patients to help them as necessary. 

Consultation Team

A consultation team is available for therapists and leaders to meet with others and discuss the ongoing care of patients. Moreover, therapists use consultation teams to stay motivated while treating complex mental health issues.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Modules

Dialectical behavior therapy programs include four behavioral modules:

• Mindfulness – Teaching how to be fully aware and live in the moment.
• Distress tolerance – Learn how to tolerate emotional pain, not change it.
• Interpersonal effectiveness – Learn to say no and ask for what you need with healthy communication skills.
• Emotional regulation – Learn how to ignore the emotions that affect you negatively and how you can change your negative emotions. 

Dialectical behavior therapy works best for patients with multiple mental health issues. These issues include addiction caused by past trauma, emotional or physical abuse, domestic violence, wartime, or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an extensive program that focuses on four primary areas that focus on specific behaviors:

• Life-threatening
• Therapy-interfering
• Quality of life
• Skills acquisition

Each section is performed in a specific order and builds on the previous task to give patients the best chances of succeeding and making positive life changes. 

Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program has been proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder and depression. DBT is based on the principles of acceptance and change, which allow individuals to accept their current reality while simultaneously striving for positive change. The following are some of the major benefits of DBT:

• Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety – Studies have found that those who participate in a DBT program experience significant decreases in their symptom levels related to depression and anxiety.
• Improved relationships – People who engage in the practice of DBT often find themselves able to better regulate their emotions, communicate more effectively, and develop healthier relationships in their lives.
• Increased emotional regulation – One of the primary goals of DBT is to increase emotional regulation, allowing individuals to better understand and manage their emotions. This helps them respond effectively in difficult situations rather than reacting impulsively or letting their emotions control them.
• Reduced suicidal behavior – Suicidal behavior is often associated with mental illness, and DBT has been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals with depression and other mental illnesses.
• Improved self-esteem – DBT helps people build a sense of self-worth by recognizing their strengths and improving the way they view themselves. This can help them better manage their stress levels and feel more confident.

When it comes to the pros and cons of dialectical behavior therapy, the benefits certainly outweigh any potential downsides. DBT has been used successfully to treat a variety of mental illnesses, and its effects can be long-lasting and life-changing for those who engage in it. In addition to being an effective treatment for depression and other mental illnesses, DBT helps people to become more mindful and aware of their feelings and behaviors, improving their relationships and overall well-being.

Arkview Recovery Center’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

At Arkview Recovery, our center for dialectical behavior therapy can help patients with extreme mental health issues and at risk of suicide. DBT allows for open and honest communication in group and individual therapy sessions. In these sessions, therapists work with patients to help them accept their current situation. In addition, they’ll be taught how to make positive changes. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with severe mental health issues or have attempted suicide in the past, contact us at 717.744.0756 today to speak with our caring staff about our dialectical behavior therapy program.