Today, therapists offer an array of treatments for co-occurring disorders. Although each treatment is designed with the same goal in mind, it provides with a different path to recovery. Two therapies – CBT vs DBT – do just that. They help you work through your addiction or mental disorder, but they consist of different techniques.
Both CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy in Ellenboro NC) help you explore the negative thoughts, pattern, or behaviors that often symptoms of a mental disorder. These harmful elements, combined with other circumstances, are what trigger an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Let’s take a look at the difference between CBT and DBT, and how they help you recover from substance abuse.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT is a type of talk therapy or psychotherapy treatment program that helps you work through negative or distorted thoughts or beliefs. Once you become aware of the negativity inside, you can respond to it in a more appropriate manner.
Cognitive behavioral therapy plays a central role in helping you navigate through situations in your life without turning to addiction or destructive behavior. During your early session, your therapist will encourage you to talk about your thoughts and feelings. They will take notes and assess your situation. You will focus on specific problems related to your mental condition or addiction.
From there, the therapist will help you reframe these thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts or beliefs. The goal is to help you look at a situation differently so that you choose different actions.
CBT works best when following a structure including:
- Be open and honest about what the real issues are and what is going on inside you
- Stick to the treatment plan and listen to your therapist – do the homework and follow instructions
- Be patient – it takes 5 to 20 sessions for you to get the most out of CBT
- Partner with your therapist and take advantage of their expertise
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
The primary purpose of DBT is to help you learn to live in the moment and to manage your stress or anxiety. DBT teaches you how to regulate your emotions and improve your relationship with friends, family, or coworkers – basically, everybody.
DBT helps you understand four basic concepts:
- What goes on in your mind is directly linked to your emotions and your behaviors
- You can’t control change or the action of others
- Conflict can help you see the truth of any situation
- The key to adopting positive acceptance – both external and internal
When you work with your therapist, you explore the conflict that comes from contradictions. In other words, you notice how opposing forces can create stress or anxiety in your life. You then learn how to work through these opposing forces productively.
There are four main components of DBT, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal skills, and emotion regulation. Your sessions involve mastering these components. Dialectical behavior therapy in Ellenboro, NC seeks to help you find wellness in all these areas.
CBT vs DBT: Which is Right for You
Foothills at Red Oak can help you discover the right treatment plan for your mental health condition or social media addiction. Whether you choose CBT vs DBT, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a full recovery. To find out more about your treatment options, call us at 866.300.5275.
