There are many types of therapy treatment for mental illnesses, but a technique that may work for anxiety or depression might exacerbate personality or eating disorders. Before you decide the most suitable option between DBT vs. CBT, you must understand what each method entails.
What Is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating depression and anxiety as it teaches you how thoughts affect behaviors and feelings. It also treats phobias, sleeping issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
CBT helps people to see their problem logically; for example, if you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy at work, it will show you the facts. Talk to family, friends, and co-workers for a realistic comparison.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), on the other hand, is a specialized form of treatment that helps to diagnose borderline personality disorders. It focuses on behavior change instead of talking through the issues. DBT is effective in treating sexual trauma, chronic suicidal tendencies, and self-harm behaviors.
DBT teaches a unique technique that enables you to accept how things are and how to live with the pain instead of trying to change it.
Both DBT vs. CBT incorporate a person’s history to understand better how it may impact current situations. Nevertheless, discussion of one’s past is entirely dependent upon the individual mental health professional.
DBT vs. CBT: Which One Is Right for You?
Each mental illness responds differently to therapy methods. You’ll want to go for a technique that will be effective for your symptoms and diagnosis. If you do not have the diagnosis already, consider visiting a psychiatrist first for testing. This ensures that you’ll get the best treatment options that will leverage your existing skills and strengths in your recovery process.
A professional rehab facility will consider your treatment history, symptoms, and goals before recommending what to do next.
CBT is effective in treating anxiety and depression, while DBT is best for chronic suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder. Keep in mind that some people have multiple diagnoses, so they must use both CBT and DBT to manage their symptoms successfully.
After you have decided on the type of treatment to use, visit a rehab facility to learn more about the available programs. These facilities have valuable programs, such as:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab
- Day treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Extended care program
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Many people who go to therapy do not have clear goals, which is why they don’t go back after the first session. There are so many treatment options available, so select the most suitable one for your situation. For example, if you want to improve your personal or professional relationships, try family therapy or group therapy instead of going at it alone.
When considering DBT vs. CBT, you’ll be glad to know that both options have proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental illnesses. Don’t let addiction ruin your life; you can overcome by seeking treatment at a drug rehab facility. Contact us at 855.298.3104, and we’ll get you on the road to recovery.