BoardPrep Recovery Center® is a 21-bed partial hospitalization program that uses a number of therapy and holistic approaches to help clients overcome substance abuse. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are two methodologies you might encounter at our Tampa, FL, center. Are CBT and DBT different? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog, starting with a look at how CBT and DBT help recovering addicts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy used to help clients understand how the thought process guides emotions and behavior. Each session has a specific goal and runs a consistent length. You and your therapist set a goal for each session.
CBT is based on the following principals:
- Psychological problems initiate with unhelpful thoughts.
- Psychological problems started with learned behavioral patterns.
- People with psychological problems can learn how to cope with them, which alleviated their behavioral issues and helps them build a more effective life.
“Are CBT and DBT different?” let’s look at how DBT can help you recover from substance abuse.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is actually a subset of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT attempts to modify negative thinking habits and achieve positive changes. DBT is often used to treat self-harm and suicidal tendencies. In substance abuse recovery, it can be targeted on negative behavior that could lead to a relapse.
There are four main components of DBT:
- DBT Skills Training
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Phone Coaching (in-the-moment coaching)
- DBT Consultation Teams that help therapists meet client needs
Are CBT and DBT Different?
Are CBT and DBT different? Yes, they are, and here is a breakdown of the differences between these complementary treatment approaches.
When our team considers whether to use CBT vs. DBT, several factors come into play. As part of our CBT program, clients learn to rewire their brains to look at the world in a new way. In these sessions, you focus on what you’re feeling and how your thoughts impact your emotions. You figure out how to deal with feelings that trigger stress and high emotions. So, CBT is effective in helping you learn to reverse unhealthy thought patterns.
CBT concentrates on how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings interact. However, DBT emphasizes the regulation of emotion. In these sessions, you learn how to be more mindful and go through the difficult process of accepting the pain in your life. During DBT, you learn to identify when thoughts and feelings are causing you problems. Additionally, you even learn how to divert those harmful attitudes.
Are CBT and DBT different? Now that you know how each of these therapies can help you, you can make the most of them when you work with our therapists. As part of our DBT skills training sessions, many clients meet weekly with a therapist or coach and also receive a phone coaching session as needed. Once you can regulate your feelings and know how to remain mindful, you will notice that your relationships begin to improve. More importantly, you are less likely to harm yourself or others.
Choosing a CBT or DBT Program in Tampa, FL
At BoardPrep Recovery Center®, we use both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for clients who would benefit from them.
Other services available in our substance abuse recovery program include:
- Hospital services
- Day-night and outpatient services
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Young adult, professionals, and family services
- Interventions
Go home better prepared to deal with harmful thoughts and emotions. Let our kind staff help you overcome addiction and don’t waste another moment of your life. Contact us today at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our CBT and DBT treatment plans.
