Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction in NYC
Self-Acceptance After Substance Abuse
Ascendant: Providing DBT Therapy in Brooklyn, NYC, and the Surrounding Areas
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a category within the field of cognitive behavioral therapy. While CBT emphasizes facilitating changes in behavior, DBT focuses more on developing healthy coping skills to manage stress and emotions with an emphasis on validation and self-acceptance.
The idea behind DBT is that all things in life are connected and that the only constant element is that change is inevitable. For those struggling with mental health issues or a history of substance abuse, this constant churn in life brings up many negative thoughts and emotions and a tendency toward overreaction.
This negativity can make it increasingly difficult to cope and grow as new inconveniences arise. In turn, this can lead to self-loathing and a sense of worthlessness at their inability to overcome real or perceived challenges. It may also manifest as a strong fear that they will not be able to keep up with these changes, leaving them feeling hopeless and stuck.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention that focuses on developing a non-judgemental perspective towards self, circumstances, and surroundings. It was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan from the University of Washington for the treatment of multiple personality disorders. Today, its effectiveness reaches well beyond a single diagnosis.
DBT concentrates on expanding mindfulness skills, similar to Buddhist practices. This modality operates on the belief that many problematic behaviors stem from both environmental and biological factors.
The core principles of mindfulness help the patient to focus on what’s happening at the moment and help them learn to increase positive awareness.
Throughout DBT therapeutic services, we want to help our clients to create more meaningful lives. We want them to balance self-acceptance while also giving a gentle therapeutic nudge towards making tangible changes.
How Is DBT Different From CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to follow the path from negative thought to correlating negative behavior. The goal is to identify the harmful thought pattern, change the automatic response and thus change the behavior.
Dialectical behavioral therapy helps patients discover new ways to accept themselves as they are. It aims to ensure patients feel safe and empowered to manage their own emotions and enable them to monitor self-destructive or undesirable behaviors.
What Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy in NYC Look Like?
At Ascendant, we know every patient’s circumstances, needs, and abilities are unique. Therefore, their treatment plan must also be custom-designed to match where they are and what they need.
Using evidence-based treatments & a holistic approach to patient care, our highly-qualified clinical and nursing staff are addiction industry experts ready to facilitate growth & healing for each individual.
Our DBT treatment programs consist of several tactics, from individual therapy sessions to group therapy & phone consultations. Each strategy adds value to the patient & moves them closer to their goals.
Individual DBT therapy sessions are offered in our comfortably luxurious space in the heart of NYC. Here, the patient will learn the necessary behavioral & coping skills that are suited to that individual’s unique life challenges.
Group DBT therapy in New York is another evidence-based practice that presents an opportunity for exposure to the experiences of others & positive interactions with them. Practical problem solving and role-playing are also common therapy activities. From these sessions, there may be journaling homework & accountability partners to keep skill development sharp while away from sessions.
Telehealth has grown significantly over the past few years but it has long since been part of most DBT therapy treatment plans. Here the patient will have phone access to their therapist in between individual sessions. They will receive additional guidance and feedback on current circumstances.
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I had an amazing stay here at Ascendant. Thank you so much to all of the staff. They went above and beyond to make sure you always felt welcomed, included, and accommodated at all times. I was in a very dark place before entering treatment and I felt that this place did a great job of bringing me up and showing me what a great life you can have in sobriety!
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5My experience at ascendant thus far has been nothing but positive. The staff are all knowledgeable, sensitive, and responsive. The medical treatment has been top notch and my health has improved measurable day by day. The facility is comfortable with pleasant rooms and clean and efficient bathrooms. Snacks and drinks are provided all day and meals are ordered in from local restaurants. Ascendant is a good place to recover safely and comfortably.
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5Ascendent has been my saving grace. The care I received is beyond the average care center. I rank them the best in NYC. It's individualize, structured, therapeutic and physically treatment center base like a high end spa. The staff are all so sweet, they understand and hold space to heal and thrive. The clean, zen like environment also help me feel so special. This place is the only place I'd recommend getting excellent detox/recovery care.
Mel Gibbs
5As someone in recovery and a professional in the field, I can say without hesitation that Ascendant NY offers the best clinical and luxury treatment experience in the tri-state area. Their program is rigorous and requires a true commitment—one that asks you to disconnect from outside noise and focus entirely on your healing. But the investment in yourself is absolutely worth it. Give yourself the chance you deserve and reach out to them.
Max Smith
5
DBT Treatment Stages
Early sessions of DBT therapy will consist of identifying and addressing the most severe undesirable or self-destructive thought patterns and behaviors. This is when the patient may still be largely out of control and feeling helpless. To move forward, the first stage is to gain more behavioral control.
Once the behavior is externally moderated, the patient is often still in distress on the inside. The behavior may be improved, but their mental and emotional state is hindered, and their quality of life is poor. At this stage, the therapist will facilitate the move from depression or desperation to a more positive and healthy mental space.
Now the patient is relearning how to live in a healthy way and function more productively. The behaviors are under control, and their emotional state is lighter. They’re developing strong coping skills and this is the time to more fully accept themselves, plan for future goals, and enjoy life.
The final stage is where many patients begin to get more out of life and develop a stronger sense of spiritual connectedness. They have nurtured healthier relationships and are experiencing happiness and freedom while pursuing their goals.
Get Started Today, With DBT Therapy, New York!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction in NYC
The way that dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps in the process of recovering from addiction is by teaching skills to better deal with the emotion, stress, and impulse control that often lead to substance use. The skills learned through DBT, like how to cope with distress and employ emotional regulation, will help an individual manage cravings, deal with their triggers and learn about other, healthier ways to cope with difficult times instead of drinking or using drugs.
DBT helps people build resiliency by providing them with skills to better deal with stressors during their recovery. The skills that DBT teaches are typically organized into four areas:
- Mindfulness: to become aware of present moment feelings and thoughts
- Emotional Regulation: to manage and cope with high levels of emotion
- Distress Tolerance: to utilize adaptive coping techniques in the presence of distressing situations
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: to increase the ability to communicate and develop relationships with others
DBT would be beneficial to anyone who struggles with substance use disorders, has problems with emotional regulation, has experienced trauma, and has co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders. DBT would be especially helpful to individuals who experience severe emotional reactions, have difficulty managing stress, and do not have good relationship management skills.
DBT is commonly used in conjunction with many other evidence-based approaches to treatment and is rarely implemented alone. DBT is included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that combines evidence-based therapies, behavioral counseling, and medical support to address both the behavioral and emotional aspects of recovery.
Both DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are evidence-based therapies for treating an addiction disorder; neither is always “better” than the other as they are effective for treating different needs, however, both can be administered in combination with one another as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
CBT concentrates on identifying and changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. It teaches the individual to recognize their triggers, challenge their negative thinking, and develop practical coping strategies to prevent relapse.
DBT, which evolved from CBT, places additional emphasis on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Therefore, DBT can be especially helpful for people who struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, trauma, or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Often clinicians will combine elements of both CBT and DBT in treatment to address psychological, behavioral, and emotional factors involved in addiction.
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