When it comes to overcoming addiction, dealing with underlying mental disorders is extremely important. However, there are numerous ways to treat mental disorders, so it’s hard to know where to begin. One option is dialectical behavior therapy. What is this type of behavior therapy, and how does it aid people with overcoming mental disorders?
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
This form of behavior therapy teaches people a new set of skills to manage and process painful emotions. They can also use these skills to resolve conflicts that might arise within relationships. In fact, experts say that it focuses mostly on providing therapeutic skills in four areas. At Sunflower Wellness Retreat, the dialectical behavior therapy that we offer touches on all four of these critical areas.
Firstly, DBT includes focusing on mindfulness. This specific skill helps people accept their current mood. Likewise, it helps them deal with present emotions. Learning to pay attention to their feelings actively is essential in overcoming mental disorders.
Secondly, a dialectical behavior therapy program focuses on helping people increase distress tolerance. In fact, experts believe that it’s better to increase tolerance for negative thoughts and emotions than to run from them. Doing so helps people deal with these thoughts head-on.
Next, this form of therapy focuses on teaching people strategies to manage and regulate emotions. Actually, these strategies can help people change negative or intense emotions that damage their lives. In fact, negative emotions can result in bad behavior.
Lastly, dialectical behavior therapy focuses on teaching better communication skills. These skills help people strengthen relationships via communication and self-respect. Also, they allow people to be more assertive without causing conflicts.