Therapy is often the key to recovery when dealing with addiction, trauma, or emotional disorders. Different types of therapies exist, including behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two popular types of behavioral therapy. But what is the difference between CBT and DBT as addiction therapies? Call 1.844.768.0169 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable team at The Right Step Houston about different types of addiction therapy and how they help our patients recover from substance use disorders (SUDs) in Texas.
What Is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions through positive reinforcement. It is based on the idea that behaviors are learned and can be unlearned or modified with practice. Behavioral therapy aims to teach new ways of coping with stress and negative emotions to help overcome mental health disorders.
There are several types of behavioral therapy, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Behavioral therapy identifies harmful or unwanted behaviors and develops strategies to replace them with healthy alternatives. It involves setting goals, tracking progress, and making adjustments as necessary. Behavioral therapy can be done in individual or group sessions and can often be combined with other treatments or medications.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking, beliefs, and attitudes that lead to mental health disorders. CBT involves identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. It also includes behavioral interventions to reinforce positive changes.
The benefits of undergoing CBT include the following:
- Increased self-awareness
- Lowered anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improved coping skills
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Better communication skills
Many addiction rehab programs have CBT as a main component. It can help a person manage cravings and relapse triggers, develop healthier coping skills, and address underlying emotional issues that may have contributed to the addiction.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching skills for regulating emotions, managing distress, and improving interpersonal relationships. DBT combines standard behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. It helps people identify, understand, and accept their emotions while learning skills to manage them effectively.
The benefits of undergoing DBT include the following:
- Increased emotional regulation
- Reduced impulsivity
- Improved interpersonal relationships
- Enhanced mindfulness skills
- Lowered anxiety and depression symptoms
DBT is often used to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but is also effective in treating addiction, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.
What Is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?
The main difference between CBT and DBT is that DBT emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance, while CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. DBT also emphasizes interpersonal skill-building more than CBT. Additionally, DBT is better suited for those who struggle with intense emotional reactions, while CBT is more effective for those with negative thought patterns. Furthermore, DBT includes a greater emphasis on self-acceptance and validation than CBT.
The Right Step Houston offers treatment programs incorporating CBT and DBT to help our patients in Texas manage their mental health issues and substance use disorders.
Find Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment in Texas at The Right Step Houston
Therapy is critical in addiction recovery, and behavioral therapy can effectively treat mental health conditions. The Right Step Houston offers cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy to help individuals manage symptoms of addiction, anxiety, depression, and more. Contact The Right Step Houston today at 1.844.768.0169 to learn more about how we help our patients overcome SUDs and how the knowledgeable professionals on our team use CBT and DBT as addiction therapy components in our treatment programs.