Humans are complex beings whose thoughts, feelings, habits, and behaviors are often influenced by perception rather than reality. When a person believes something to be true, it guides their thinking and ultimately their reaction to the events and the people around them. Viewing the world through this exclusive lens is one thing that makes each person’s existence unique, but for some, an unhealthy focus on the negative and a distorted view of reality can result in more intense, irrational responses, maladaptive behavior, dysfunctional relationships,and destructive coping mechanisms.
In today’s discussion , let’s understand dialectical behavior treatment and how it can help people find new ways to gain freedom from self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Often used in combination with other therapies, dialectical behavior treatment can help those who struggle with anger, depression,and anxiety issues, as well as addiction and other destructive habits. This will bring new awareness and the ability to discover necessary ways to create lasting, positive change. To learn more, keep reading or contact Blair Wellness Clinic.
What is Dialectical Behavior Treatment?
Dialectical Behavior Treatment is a type of treatment that focuses on helping people change how they react to situations or events by modifying their thoughts, feelings, actions, and patterns. To gain a better understanding of how DBT works, let’s take a closer look..
The term dialectical refers to a method of examining and discussing opposing ideas. As it relates to treatment, the word dialectical is used to explain how the two opposing ideas of self-acceptance and change are used to modify negative behaviors. Patients who receive support and validation to promote acceptance are found to be more willing to embrace new ideas and see change as a necessity. It is through this balance of acceptance and change that many people can break self-destructive patterns and achieve their goals.
Who Can Benefit From DBT?
Dialectical behavior treatment was first used almost 50 years ago to treat patients who were suicidal or diagnosed with personality disorders. However, research has shown that DBT is also effective for treating those who struggle with depression, anger issues, eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and PTSD. By understanding what behaviors are counterproductive or destructive, patients can learn how to replace them with healthy coping mechanisms that will reduce engagement in negative thought patterns, maladaptive patterns, self-destructive tendencies,and impulsive behavior.
Dialectical Behavior Treatment Strategies
The ultimate goal of DBT is to reduce impulsive and destructive behaviors by teaching patients how to make positive changes through effective coping skills. This is accomplished using four primary strategies.
Mindfulness
People undergoing DBT are taught how to focus their attention on the present moment so they can become more aware and begin to understand their thoughts and feelings. This skill promotes acceptance of one’s circumstances and keeps the focus on the present instead of living in the past or worrying about what may happen in the future. Through regular introspection, patients learn how to balance thoughts and emotions while taking effective action to improve their circumstances.
Distress Tolerance
In particularly stressful situations or times of crisis, people may exhibit emotional distress that results in outbursts, avoidance, self-isolation, or other destructive behaviors such as eating disorders and substance abuse. Through DBT, patients learn valuable coping skills that teach them how to manage negative emotions and build a tolerance for difficult situations. Some of the survival strategies taught include distracting yourself until you’re ready to deal with the situation, making a list of pros and cons of different coping strategies, and finding ways to improve the moment in a healthy or productive way.
Emotion Regulation
People who suffer from mood or personality disorders often feel as though they have no control over their emotions. They’re prone to outbursts, uncontrolled anxiety, and even rage. This makes patients more likely to engage in dangerous or destructive coping mechanisms. DBT teaches people how to reduce their vulnerability to painful emotions and work on increasing desirable emotions by showing them how to recognize and actively change what they are feeling.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Impulsive behavior, emotional outbursts, and destructive habits often affect interpersonal relationships. Dialectical behavior treatment aims to improve social functioning by helping people develop skills that promote self-respect and conflict resolution as well as teaching them how to be more assertive in asking for what they need.
What To Expect
Dialectical behavior treatment employs multiple methods for helping patients reach their goals through self-acceptance and change. Regularly-scheduled individual treatment sessions are used to address specific challenges and talk through how to cope with and solve problems the patient is facing.
Individual meetings take place multiple times a week in person and by telephone. Treatment sessions by telephone are often part of DBT. During these sessions patients build their behavioral skills through role-playing and interacting.
At Blair Wellness Group of Beverly Hills, patients receive comprehensive, customized, unique and personalized treatment based on their unique needs. Dr. Blair is renowned for treating a wide range of conditions, disorders, and often finds it beneficial to use multiple methods as a way to accelerate the effectiveness of treatment in an eclectic manner to address different aspects of your life and areas of functioning.
Take the First Step — Contact Blair Wellness Group
It’s often said that the first step is the hardest, and at Blair Wellness Clinic, we want you to know that we’re here for you. Whether you’re dealing with personality or mood disorders that are sabotaging your relationships, or you’re tired of the negative thoughts that have taken over your life and are creating a never-ending cycle of anxiety, addiction, or depression — you can change. We’ll help you gain the tools you need to cope with emotional distress and make changes that will allow you to live a healthier, more fulfilled life.
At Blair Wellness Group, we also offer convenient telephone, TELEPSYCH, and teletherapy sessions so you can get the help you need, at any time or place. Our concierge care treatment also means that clients can choose appointment times that are convenient for them — including evenings, nights, and weekends. Call 310-999-4996 today to take the first step and request an appointment at Blair Wellness Group today.
