The dialectical behavior therapy program at Washburn House is a type of psychotherapy that we offer that helps treat both mental disorders and addiction. DBT starts as a dual diagnosis to help us determine what you are struggling with and how best to treat you.

Dialectical behavior therapy utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach but emphasizes different aspects of treatment. Through DBT, our Worcester Massachusetts addiction therapy specialists can help you respond to emotional situations more appropriately. So, if you are likely to become angry, depressed, or stressed out in certain situations, this type of therapy can help control your emotions so that you act accordingly.

DBT is especially valuable in helping you overcome your cravings or temptations, which are often based on emotional connections to drugs or alcohol.

How Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program Works

There is a wide range of mental or personality disorders that can lead to addiction. If you have never been diagnosed with a mental disorder, then you may not even know that you have one.

When you enter a dialectical behavior therapy program in Worcester, Massachusetts, your first stage of treatment may begin with detox. If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, then you need to clean the substance out of your system so that you can start proper treatment.

Once detox is complete, we will perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition to determine what mental or personality disorder you have. This assessment is known as a dual diagnosis, where we explore both your addiction and your mental disorder. Once we have an idea of your condition, then we can begin dialectical behavior therapy.

What Are the Components of DBT?

DBT contains three main components, including:

1. Creating a Foundation

DBT starts by helping you to identify your strengths and positive aspects of your personality. From there, you can build a foundation for re-creating your self-image. Having a positive self-image leads to stronger mental health.

2. Identifying Cognition

Your Washburn House therapist can help you identify negative thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that can make your life more difficult. Once you can see the connection between your thoughts and your actions, then you can find a more appropriate way to deal with each.

3. Working with Your Therapist

Your therapist will act as a guide to help you in several areas of your treatment. They can teach you how to practice your skills, interact with your groups, complete your homework, and manage your emotions. Feel free to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and open up about your addiction.

The Four Modules of DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy falls into four main modules, including:

1. Mindfulness that helps you observe your inner being
2. Interpersonal effectiveness that teaches you how to interact with others positively
3. Distress tolerance empowers you to accept and find meaning in stressful moments
4. Emotion regulation helps you to manage your emotions, not just cope with them

Each of these modules is essential to help you to identify and label your emotions accurately. You can determine what mental or emotional obstacles are in the way of you overcoming your addiction, and then learn how to work through them.

Learn More About Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

At Washburn House, our Worcester, Massachusetts addiction therapy treatment center is designed to give you complete care throughout your recovery. Our dialectical behavior therapy program provides a well-rounded plan so that you can experience true healing. To find out more, call us at 855.298.3104.