DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy used to help people cope with overwhelming emotions, a common challenge in many mental health conditions. The term “dialectical” refers to balancing two opposing ideas—acceptance and change. This technique helps people find a middle ground between conflicting thoughts, behaviors, or ways of interacting so they can have better coping strategies.

Overview of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Developed in the 80s by psychologist Marsha Linehan and her team, DBT builds on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) but takes a different approach. Instead of simply changing difficult emotions, DBT emphasizes accepting and validating them.

DBT can be effective in treating LGBTQ+ people with mental health and substance use disorders. This therapy can help people in the community embrace their identity and reduce self-criticism, build better relationships and become more capable in challenging situations.

What Does DBT Involve?

DBT typically includes individual therapy sessions and weekly group sessions. In one-on-one sessions, the therapist provides personalized guidance and support while also being available between sessions for coaching via phone or text. Group sessions focus on teaching skills, with participants receiving homework to help reinforce what they’ve learned.

A key part of DBT therapy is tracking progress through a daily diary. This helps individuals monitor their emotions, behaviors, and reactions while practicing the skills they’ve been taught.

DBT has been shown to be effective for people of all ages across a range of mental health conditions. It seems to be especially beneficial for adolescents and young adults, possibly because acquiring new skills can be easier at a younger age, like learning a language or an instrument.

The Four Modules of DBT Therapy

DBT is built around four key skill areas. Each module helps people manage emotions and struggles while improving their relationships.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT. It’s about staying present and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judging them. The goal is to develop a “wise mind,” which balances logic (reasonable mind) and emotions (emotional mind) to make better decisions. Mindfulness also helps with radical acceptance—acknowledging reality as it is instead of fighting it. Practicing mindfulness can make emotions feel less overwhelming and create space for healthier responses.

Distress Tolerance

Life is full of difficult moments, and distress tolerance teaches you how to handle them without making things worse. Instead of reacting impulsively or avoiding discomfort, you learn to sit with your emotions and tolerate distress. Techniques like self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance help you get through tough situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse. The goal isn’t to erase pain but to make it more manageable.

Emotion Regulation

This module teaches you how to identify and name emotions, shift unwanted feelings, and reduce emotional vulnerability. Skills like opposite action (doing the opposite of what your emotions urge you to do) and fact-checking (challenging emotional assumptions) help bring balance. With these skills, emotions become less overwhelming, and reactions become more intentional.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Relationships can be challenging, and this module focuses on improving communication and setting boundaries. It helps you ask for what you need, say no when necessary, and handle conflicts without damaging relationships. The goal is to interact with others in a way that maintains both your self-respect and your connections.

Who Can Benefit from DBT?

DBT therapy was originally created for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since then, it has been shown to help with other mental health conditions, including: 

• Depression 
• PTSD
• Substance use
• Self-harm 
• Eating disorders

DBT therapy may be a good fit if you’re willing to practice skills between sessions, focus on the present and future rather than the past, and participate in group sessions. However, therapy is personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. Speak to a professional at Q Space Detox to figure out if it is a good fit. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment

DBT helps individuals who haven’t responded well to other addiction treatments by addressing both substance use and the emotional struggles that come with it. DBT for addiction (DBT-S) focuses on commitment to abstinence while also treating relapse as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Instead of blaming themselves, individuals work with their therapist to pinpoint what led to the relapse, repair any harm caused, and develop healthier coping strategies to prevent it from happening again.

A big part of DBT-S is changing the mindset around addiction. Many LGBTQ+ people struggling with substance use feel like relapse is inevitable, but this therapy teaches that sustained recovery is possible. Patients learn how to cut ties with enablers of substance use, build a healthier support system, and create a life that doesn’t revolve around drugs or alcohol.

DBT for LGBTQ Drug and Alcohol Detox

LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk for several mental health conditions, including substance use disorder. Due to their identity, members of the community have a more difficult time accessing high-quality mental healthcare, especially one that is affirming.

Q Space Detox provides several approaches to therapy with the goal of treating drug and alcohol addiction. We also offer a safe space where you or an LGBTQ+ loved one can feel free enough to address underlying emotional and social triggers. For more information on DBT and other therapies, call us now on 305-745-7768.