Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help people manage intense emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build more satisfying relationships. DBT combines change-oriented strategies with acceptance-based approaches, encouraging people to work toward growth while also acknowledging their current experience.

Key components of DBT:

DBT is organized around four core skill areas that people practice both in and between sessions:

Mindfulness – Learning to stay present, observe thoughts and feelings without judgment, and respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.
Distress Tolerance – Building tools to get through painful situations without making them worse, such as grounding exercises, self-soothing, or crisis planning.
Emotional Regulation – Understanding and naming emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and increasing positive experiences.
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating needs clearly, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining self-respect while strengthening connections with others.

Origins and Clinical Use

DBT was originally developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder, a condition marked by intense emotions and unstable relationships. Over time, research has shown DBT to be effective for a range of challenges, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. Today, many therapists adapt DBT skills to meet the needs of different clients, making it a versatile approach for improving emotional well-being and resilience.

How DBT Helps with Substance Use Disorders

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become an increasingly valuable tool in addiction treatment. Originally created for borderline personality disorder, DBT’s focus on balancing acceptance and change makes it especially helpful for people struggling with substance use. By teaching practical skills, DBT helps individuals gain control over the emotions and behaviors that often fuel addiction

How DBT Addresses Emotional Triggers and Impulsive Behaviors

Addiction is frequently driven by overwhelming feelings and quick, self-destructive reactions. DBT helps clients identify the emotions and situations that trigger cravings or risky behaviors. Through mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques, people learn to pause, assess, and choose healthier responses rather than acting on impulse. This approach gives clients a concrete framework for managing high-risk moments.

Why DBT Is Effective for Substance Use

DBT equips people with tools that directly support recovery:

Managing cravings by staying present and applying grounding or self-soothing skills
Reducing relapse risk through problem-solving and planning ahead for challenging situations
Building healthy coping strategies that replace substance use with constructive alternatives

These strategies empower clients to tolerate discomfort without resorting to drugs or alcohol, strengthening their ability to sustain long-term recovery.

Real-World Benefits of DBT in Addiction Recovery

Clients who participate in dialectical behavior therapy for substance use disorder often report meaningful improvements, such as:

Greater emotional resilience and confidence in handling stress
Healthier, more stable relationships with family, friends, and support networks
A stronger foundation of recovery skills that supports lasting change

By addressing both the emotional roots of addiction and the practical skills needed for sobriety, DBT offers a comprehensive path toward healing and a more fulfilling life.

DBT at Ashley Addiction Treatment

Programs That Integrate DBT

DBT is used in both residential treatment programs and outpatient services, making it accessible at every stage of recovery. In residential settings, clients participate in structured groups and individual sessions that teach DBT skills alongside other therapies. Outpatient programs allow participants to continue practicing DBT while balancing work, school, or family responsibilities. This flexibility ensures that people seeking help for dialectical behavior therapy addiction concerns can find support in the environment that fits best.

Personalized Care

Effective recovery means recognizing that every person’s path is unique. Programs offering dialectical behavior therapy for substance use disorder tailor sessions to address individual needs, strengths, and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. By adapting the core DBT modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—therapists help clients focus on the areas most important to their success.

Clinical Expertise

DBT’s impact depends on knowledgeable guidance. In these programs, licensed therapists trained in DBT principles provide evidence-based instruction, support, and feedback. Their expertise helps clients apply DBT skills in real-world situations, creating a bridge between therapy sessions and everyday life. This professional support is key to helping people build emotional resilience, reduce relapse risk, and sustain meaningful recovery.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Contact our team today to learn how we can support you or your loved one. They can help you sort through your options of inpatient residential treatment in Havre de Grace MD, outpatient treatment in Bel Air MD, and our telehealth services, Ashley Behavioral Health and Wellness.

At Ashley we know that healing can begin with a combination of evidence based care and a compassionate team.