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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Boulder, Colorado

One in every 20 adults has a severe mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or chronic major depression, creating a strong need for dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in Boulder, Colorado.

DBT is an effective treatment combining cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help individuals develop skills such as mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. Whether one resides in downtown Boulder, its suburbs, or other nearby locations, finding support at Flat Irons Recovery is essential for anyone grappling with addiction and mental health challenges.

A group session during dialectical behavior therapy in boulder

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, commonly referred to as DBT, is introduced to individuals experiencing extreme emotional suffering. For those in Boulder, Colorado, looking for dialectical behavior therapy for addiction, the reason could be an intense emotional reactivity impacting everyday functioning and leading to frequent crises.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1970s. 

DBT treats individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. 

DBT is for people who lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. These shortcomings can amplify a wide range of conditions – from borderline and other personality disorders, PTSD, and treatment-resistant anxiety to depression.

How Does Our DBT in Boulder, Colorado Work?

In a DBT session, a therapist engages with each client to strike a balance. One learns to accept reality as is while maintaining a commitment to initiate change. This dual-faceted strategy is obvious during online group therapy for Dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder, Colorado. 

With Boulder being a fast-paced city, the convenience of accessing DBT for addiction or other mental health issues from the home or workplace is a game-changer. This convenience benefits many people – from those juggling tight work or family schedules to remote residents with limited close-by therapy resources.

Boulder dialectical behavior therapy is instrumental in teaching individuals to live in the moment, tolerate distress, manage negative emotions, and improve relationships. Each skill serves an essential function in helping individuals regain control over their lives and feelings.

Dialectical behavior therapy can prove helpful for people whose emotional reactivity is highly intense, disrupting everyday functioning and causing recurrent crises.

The Benefits of DBT for Mental Health

When pondering the solution for mental health issues, Dialectical Behavior Therapy rises above the standard of care. DBT in Boulder, Colorado, takes a step further than its more known counterpart–cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps people improve their mental health by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to feel better and cope with life’s challenges.

The goals of dialectical behavior therapy for addiction include living in the present moment, tolerating distress, managing negative emotions, and enhancing relationships. 

Once an individual is comfortable with these techniques, they’ll  witness a decrease in harmful behaviors that tend to coincide with mental health issues such as:

  • Self-harm
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders

In effect, DBT for alcohol and drug addiction encourages the creation of a life worth living.

Young woman talking to therapist during DBT in Boulder, CO.

DBT For Addiction In Boulder 

For those struggling with addiction issues, dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder is worth considering. DBT for addiction uses mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques to address triggers and prevent relapses.

Furthermore, dialectical behavior therapy for addiction helps one understand and accept addictive behaviors while working towards changing them.

Access to Boulder DBT services can start a journey towards exploring and managing emotions healthier and more effectively. The proper treatment center in Boulder, Colorado, can facilitate this change towards better mental health.

One of the most successful types of DBT in Boulder is addiction therapy. DBT addresses triggers, prevents relapses, and builds a quality life away from substance dependency. Dialectical behavior therapy for addiction is versatile and effective.

While navigating a mental health journey, be assured that DBT is a highly effective treatment. However, keep in mind that while DBT works wonders for many, it’s not a universal fit. Take the time to find what type of Boulder DBT works best.

Dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder is a tried-and-tested method used extensively for treating BPD and other mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. DBT skillfully fuses the components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness.

Hence, this gives rise to a unique therapy model focusing on these essential skills:

  • Mindfulness
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Emotion regulation
  • Distress tolerance
Therapist having a conversation with a client during dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder, CO.

The Benefits of Our DBT in Boulder, Colorado

Dialectical behavior therapy is a style of therapy that aids in mastering emotions, cultivating sturdy coping strategies, and addressing anxiety head-on. Rather than letting the past overshadow the present or allowing worry about the future.

DBT in Boulder emphasizes mindfulness skills. By focusing on the here and now, learn to navigate the realities of the day without being overwhelmed by past traumas or future uncertainties.

An important aspect of DBT is the development of interpersonal skills. Asserting needs effectively through healthy communication is a vital part of DBT’s strategy. Whether in Boulder or elsewhere in Colorado, one will likely find dialectical behavior therapy for addiction a valuable tool in rebuilding personal and professional relationships.

However, DBT is not just about mental health conditions like anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s also a proven aid for individuals battling with other challenges:

  • Eating disorders
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Substance, drug, or alcohol use

In terms of treatments for addiction, Boulder DBT has also shown promising results. In the search for DBT for addiction in Boulder, remember to consider professionals experienced in managing such conditions. They offer a DBT approach tailored to equip patients with skills to resist relapse, tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and build a life worth living sober.

The Difference Between DBT and CBT

It’s not uncommon for people to get DBT and CBT mixed up. The significant difference between DBT and its sibling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lies in DBT’s strong emphasis on accepting and changing destructive behaviors. 

While CBT primarily focuses on problem-solving, DBT works towards acceptance and change. Therefore, DBT is a more comprehensive form of therapy beneficial for a wide range of conditions. DBT operates as an advanced form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, aiding people in developing healthy coping mechanisms. 

DBT combines CBT techniques and mindfulness practices inspired by Buddhist meditative traditions. While CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, DBT takes it a step further. This therapy focuses on accepting and validating troubling feelings while teaching skills to manage them effectively.

Reach Out For DBT in Boulder, Colorado Today

Are you or a loved one dealing with the stress of addiction? At Flat Irons Recovery, our dialectical behavior therapy will help you deal with the overwhelming stress that addiction comes with. It’s not easy to do it alone, so we strive to guide you through the best services in recovery.

Now, you’ve gained insight into the versatility of DBT in Boulder, Colorado, its potential benefits, and how it stands apart from CBT. Therefore, it’s time to embrace the potential of DBT and start your journey toward improved emotional health and well-being in Boulder. Your future self will thank you.

To learn more about DBT at Flatirons Recovery, contact us today.