At Santé Center of Healing, we take the time to help our clients manage their mental health and addiction through individualized treatment plans. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two of the most common treatment options we use in treatment. Utilizing these treatment options can give our clients the best possible chance for long-term recovery. In addition, helping our clients understand CBT vs. DBT can help to ease their minds about finding treatment. These therapies are only a few of our addiction treatment elements.

CBT and DBT are common treatment options for a variety of conditions, including treatment for substance use disorder. Though they have some similarities, there are also crucial differences. Understanding DBT vs. CBT will help you and your counselor or therapist choose the best treatment option for your particular situation.

What Are the Differences Between DBT vs. CBT?

Treatment methods that are used during psychotherapy vary from person to person. However, DBT and CBT are two of the most common and effective options. Some differences between them are outlined below.

CBT

CBT stands for cognitive-behavioral therapy. It might also be called talk therapy because of its focus on talking about the problems that you’re going through.

A key component of CBT is when talking about your problems. Your therapist helps you frame the thoughts that accompany them in a different way. For example, a person’s problems in life can often result in negative thoughts that make them feel like a failure.

Using CBT, your therapist can help you see things differently using logic and reason. This can enable you to better control your thoughts instead of having them control you. It’s grounded in the belief that a person’s behaviors and thoughts influence the way we feel. Therefore, changing them can help you feel better and more in control.

DBT

DBT stands for dialectical behavior therapy. It’s a form of CBT that focuses on helping people who have extreme emotional reactions. Using DBT can help them learn how to interact with their environment in a healthier manner.

Because DBT is a form of CBT, there are a number of similarities between the two therapies. A crucial difference between DBT and CBT is that DBT focuses more on the emotions that you feel and learning how to accept the pain that often accompanies them.

DBT emphasizes ways that you can accept yourself and still feel safe while doing so. Because DBT focuses on helping you regulate behaviors that are harmful, destructive or both, it’s often a key element in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Think of DBT as a more intense form of CBT. Once you’re able to successfully regulate your emotions, improve your relationships, and reach other goals outlined in your treatment using DBT, you might be able to transition to CBT. There you can address the negative thought processes that often lead to harmful behaviors.

Which One Is Right For You?

One of the best ways to tell which treatment is best for you in regards to DBT vs. CBT is to talk to a counselor or therapist who specializes in treating substance use disorders. A thorough assessment of your physical and emotional health is typically made as part of the intake process when you enter treatment. During that time, you’ll likely receive a recommendation for CBT.

Once you’ve had a chance to speak to a therapist directly, they can help determine if CBT or DBT is the ideal treatment. This determination will be reached after the therapist considers factors like your treatment history, symptoms, and goals. Both CBT and DBT can treat a range of conditions, including:

Alcohol addiction
Heroin addiction
Cocaine addiction
Meth addiction
Opioid addiction
Prescription drug addiction

If you have one of these conditions, it’s often best to find an addiction treatment center.

Choose Santé Center of Healing Today

When choosing a substance use treatment center, it’s important that you have a variety of options for treatment available. The ability to take advantage of both CBT and DBT means that you’ll have a better chance of success and recovery.

Santé Center for Healing offers research-based treatment methods that are client-centered. A few of these include:

If you’re ready to take control of your recovery, Santé Center of Healing is here to assist you. Contact us today at 866.238.3154 to get started.