DBT: A key therapy for better Mental Health
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Dealing with strong negative feelings can be difficult to handle on your own. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can help you take the reins in such emotional times.
Originally developed by Dr Marsha M. Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been modified and expanded to address various mental health challenges, including substance use disorder, alcoholism, and behavioural addictions such as problem gambling, gaming disorder and porn addiction.
When it comes to dialectical behaviour therapy, NHS specifically names it one of the best ways to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). This is extremely valuable when treating dual diagnosis where bipolar disorder and BPD co-occur with addictions, resulting in intense emotions that can obstruct your ability to foster healthy relationships.
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Benefits of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
We at CATCH Recovery utilise DBT, or dialectical behaviour therapy, and adapt it for addiction treatment. If you work together with our DBT therapists, you will observe a noticeable improvement in the following areas:
- Self-respect
- Managing impulsive behaviours
- Emotion regulation
- Decreased risk of self-harm
- Elimination of harmful behaviours towards others
- Improvements in your ability to tolerate distress
- Higher self-esteem
- A new ability to communicate effectively your worries
- Visible improvements in existing relationships
- Elimination of negative thought patterns
- Positive changes for your mental health
- Prevention of suicidal behaviour
Our trained professionals will help you resolve any self-destructive behaviours, as well as improve your outlook regarding other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, OCDs and even regulating ADHD-related triggers.
What to Expect During Your Therapy Sessions
Exercises commonly used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
Exercises commonly used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT
- Mindfulness Meditation: Practice focused attention on the present moment, cultivating awareness without judgment.
- Observing and Describing Emotions: Identify and describe emotions without getting overwhelmed or caught up in them.
- Opposite Action: Act opposite to intense or distressing emotions to reduce their impact.
- Wise Mind: Integrate emotional and rational thinking to make balanced decisions.
- PLEASE Skill: Take care of your physical health through activities like eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
- TIP Skill: Use Temperature, Intense Exercise, and Paced Breathing to help regulate emotions in the moment.
- ABC Skill: Break down a problem or situation into Action, Belief, and Consequence, and explore ways to address each part effectively.
- Self-Soothe: Engage in comforting and soothing activities to regulate emotions and provide self-care.
- Building Mastery: Set and achieve small, achievable goals to increase self-confidence and a sense of competence.
- Relationship Effectiveness: Learn and practice effective communication skills, assertiveness, and boundaries in relationships.
These exercises are just a sample of the various techniques and skills utilised in DBT. They are designed to promote emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s important to work with our trained therapists and participate in any DBT groups that we offer you to learn and apply these exercises effectively within the context of your specific needs and goals.
Treatment Approach in Addiction Counselling with DBT
Featured CBT Specialist
Anita Chellamah is a counsellor specialising in Addiction and Developmental
Trauma.
After an active career in the arts, Anita hit rock bottom due to her drug and
alcohol addiction. After changing her life, becoming clean and sober she re-learned to live again in recovery. This is what sparked her passion for the
work she does, in the knowledge that confronting and recovering from illness
of addiction and childhood trauma is possible.
She qualified as a counsellor in 1998 and has worked with addicts and families
affected by addiction in many different treatment settings delivering 1-1
sessions as well as groups working with DBT, trauma-focused tools and the 12
Step framework.
Throughout her work she has explored addictive patterns, processes and how
they present in various addictions such as alcohol, drugs, love addiction and
co-dependency.
The Book Alcoholics Anonymous was going to be initially called “ A Way Out”
and she believes strongly that there is a way out, to be able to live a life filled
with purpose, hope, and choice, whilst also living in the reality of life on life’s
terms.
Our DBT therapist will work with you in various ways to promote healthy emotional regulation skills, find ways to manage mental health problems, eliminate any self-harm ideation and clear your mind from intense negative emotions. We do this through one or more of the following:
What Our DBT Therapists Have to Offer
The CATCH Recovery team uses the latest proven methods in addiction treatment and dual diagnosis treatment. In order to keep up with the ever-changing world of psychotherapy, we utilise clinically trialled methodologies and will only use suitable DBT methods during your individual DBT therapy sessions.
Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a trained therapist to address personal challenges, develop coping skills, and work on specific addiction-related issues.
Skills Group Therapy: Group sessions where you can learn and practice essential skills in four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help you cope with cravings, manage intense emotions, and improve relationships.
Phone and Online Coaching: You will be encouraged to reach out to your therapists for phone coaching between sessions to receive guidance and support in using the skills they’ve learned when facing challenges or cravings.
Consultation Team: The CATCH Recovery therapists who provide DBT for addiction treatment typically consult with other professionals to receive supervision and support in implementing the therapy effectively. We keep our method current and improve based on proven methods and techniques.
Our DBT consultation team will explain your options for group therapy based on your treatment plan. In addition to the positive changes experienced with our personalised programmes, we can also offer specialised DBT therapist counselling if you have more specific bipolar symptoms and co-occurring conditions such as:
- self-destructive behaviours
- more severe emotional pain symptoms
- presence of other co-existing mental health conditions.
Many of our mental health team have gone through rehab and know how effective treatment can help you win the war against your destructive behaviours. You are safe with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy at CATCH Recovery
Here are some questions we are asked during our initial calls with prospective clients. We hope they will help you, too. However, if you have any additional demands or worries, do not wait – call us now!
Can DBT Be Beneficial for Individuals With Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions and Addiction?
Yes, DBT is extremely helpful in treating dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. We also use DBT in counselling people with multiple substance abuse problems.
Will I Need to Participate in Individual Therapy, Skills Training Groups, or Both?
We highly recommend participating in our group sessions and one-to-one counselling opportunities with our dedicated therapists for optimal results.
Can DBT Be Used in Conjunction With Other Treatment Approaches?
Yes, we use DBT in conjunction with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR and the 12-step programme.
Will DBT Help With Underlying Issues That Contribute to Addiction, Such as Trauma or Emotional Dysregulation?
Yes, DBT is very helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma-based addictions, emotionally unstable personality disorders, eating disorders and some personality disorders. DBT is highly effective in treating self-destructive behaviours.
Start Your New Life Today
CATCH Recovery’s certified team of mental health professionals is ready to help you heal from your addiction, dual diagnosis or binge eating disorder. With our comprehensive DBT, we can help you heal from conditions caused by emotional vulnerability by helping you acknowledge your strengths and rebuild your self-esteem through core mindfulness strategies and achieve a positive long-term outlook.
Don’t wait, contact our team today for a free screening.