Roaring Brook Recovery is a Kentucky Outpatient Rehab providing evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Our mental health and addiction treatment specialists employ a range of effective therapies. That way, the people in our programs can gain the comprehensive set of skills they need to succeed. One of them is called dialectical behavior therapy, a treatment known for helping individuals regulate emotions, refrain from self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. So, what are the six main points of dialectical behavior therapy? How are they helpful? Let’s get into it.
What Are the “Six Main Points” of Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
What are the “six main points” of dialectical behavior therapy? The following themes are likely to come up throughout the therapy process if you are participating in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These are essential to the success of the treatment.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves focusing your attention on the present moment intentionally and without judgment. This can include acts like noticing how you feel emotionally without judging it. DBT teaches skills that you can use in daily life to be more mindful. In turn, you can reduce challenges like impulsivity and getting stuck in negative thought patterns.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
The relationships you have with other people matter, and they are a common area of focus during the addiction recovery process. Having a supportive community can aid the recovery process. Additionally, there are relationship-related concerns like codependency, setting boundaries, or expressing how you feel, that you may need to work on as you overcome substance abuse and other mental health challenges. Interpersonal effectiveness helps you interact with other people in a way that is constructive and respectful.
Emotion Regulation
Working on emotion regulation in DBT can help you handle negative emotional experiences while fostering positive ones. DBT teaches you how to respond to your feelings in ways that are appropriate and, in this case, beneficial to the recovery process. Skills for emotion regulation may include but aren’t limited to cognitive reframing and self-talk, engaging in positive activities (e.g., hobbies, exercise), or grounding techniques.
Dialetics (Dialetical Strategies)
Dialectics refers to the integration of opposing ideas. This is a fundamental component of DBT, as you might expect given the name. In life, most things are not all or nothing. Dialectics or dialectical strategies in DBT can help you internalize the fact that multiple things can be valid at once, which can help you take a balanced approach to life situations.
Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance skills help you manage difficult moments in life without using impulsive or harmful behaviors. For example, the use of alcohol or other drugs, self-harm, and eating disorder behaviors. Distractions, self-soothing techniques, and radical acceptance can be areas of focus in DBT sessions for this reason.
Validation
Validation does not necessarily mean that everything you feel or think is true. In DBT sessions, you might work on validating yourself and other people. When you validate others, you demonstrate empathy, understanding, and acceptance. When you validate yourself, it can aid emotion regulation and help you engage in actions that are supportive of you and your recovery journey.
What is DBT Used For?
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What are the six main points of dialectical behavior therapy?” you might wonder–what is DBT used for? At Roaring Brook Recovery, we work with a broad range of conditions and concerns that DBT can help with.
Mental Health Treatment in Lexington, KY
Roaring Book Recovery provides mental health treatment in Lexington, KY. DBT has been proven effective for the treatment and management of various mental health concerns. Though it originated as a treatment for borderline personality disorder and suicidality, DBT is also used for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, and other mental health conditions. This modality is one of the many treatments used for mental health at our center.
Substance Abuse Treatment Near Louisville KY
Like with other mental health conditions, DBT skills can support the management and treatment of substance use disorders. DBT is just one of the therapy types used in substance abuse treatment near Louisville, KY, at Roaring Brook Recovery. We use a goal-oriented, highly personalized treatment process that includes DBT groups, individual therapy sessions, 12-step, and other approaches.
Call Roaring Brook Recovery for Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Kentucky
Roaring Brook Recovery is passionate about the quality of care we provide. Our center is a warm, welcoming space that facilitates fellowship and connection for those overcoming drug and alcohol abuse. Call Roaring Brook Recovery for dialectical behavior therapy in Kentucky today at (859) 470-3649.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Six Main Points of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
What are the four pillars of DBT?
The four pillars of DBT include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
What is the “DEAR MAN” acronym in DBT?
In DBT, “DEAR MAN” is an acronym that stands for:
Describe: Describe the situation clearly, without judgment. Deliver a factual description of the issue at hand to prevent misunderstandings and establish a foundation for the conversation where you’re both on the same page.
Express: Express your feelings and opinions. Use “I” statements and avoid accusing the other person.
Assert: Assert yourself by telling the other person what you need or want directly.
Reinforce: Help the other person understand where you are coming from by providing reasons or evidence that reinforce your position.
Mindful: Remain focused on the goal of the conversation and avoid distractions while being conscious of the other person’s needs and feelings.
Appear Confident: Show confidence by conveying your message with a healthy level of assertiveness (not aggression).
Negotiate: Be willing to compromise when needed. This step involves working with the other person to find a solution you both accept. For example, you might brainstorm together.
DEAR MAN is an example of an interpersonal effectiveness skill. This approach is meant to help you communicate effectively and assertively in everyday life, which can be challenging for some people, such as those who struggle with conflict.
What is “wise mind” in DBT?
“Wise mind” is another key concept in DBT. Wise mind is when your “emotional mind” (your feelings) and “reasonable mind” (logical thinking) overlap. In other words, it is a balance of the two. Using your wise mind is important because it helps you make choices that honor your values, needs, and long-term goals.
Does insurance cover DBT?
Yes. As an evidence-based therapy, DBT is typically covered by health insurance plans. The treatment programs at Roaring Brook Recovery are covered by most forms of insurance.