Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Co-Occurring Disorder

Dialectics, in its most simple form, is a discussion aimed at integrating seemingly incompatible concepts. In this case, therapists and clients work together on strategies of change and acceptance that lead to safe and productive methods of managing conflict.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy expands on the methods of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy by including techniques and skill sets that encourage validation, respect, and equality within the client-therapist partnership.

Designed specifically for treating individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, DBT has shown positive results in treating a broad spectrum of mood-related disorders as well, including:

• Depression (especially when accompanied with suicidal behavior)
• Bipolar disorders
• Bulimia (binge eating)
• Impulse-control disorders (skin picking, hair pulling, cutting)
• Anxiety disorders (phobias, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD)
• Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia)
• Substance disorders (drug/alcohol abuse, dependency, addiction)

The Canyon identifies that many individuals with substance disorders suffer from other types of mental illness. We specialize in treating multiple, co-occurring disorders to increase the chances of a successful recovery for every client using various methods and healing modalities when appropriate.

Mindfulness - The Key Element of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Drug Rehab

The core component of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is the concept of mindfulness, which can be defined as the awareness of your thoughts, feelings, motivations, and actions. The practice of mindfulness involves focusing one's awareness on the current moment.

Living completely in the present, rather than the past or future, casts a spotlight on the important aspects of our being that may otherwise go unnoticed due to countless internal and external distractions. By bringing awareness to one's present state of mind, thoughts and actions can be observed from a distance rather than absorbed blindly without scrutiny.

Realistic ideas can be allowed to run their course, while those that are damaging or dysfunctional are easily discarded. Involuntary responses become a thing of the past as emotional mastery comes into bloom.

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Objectives of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Drug Rehab

In addition to mindfulness, the other essential objectives of Dialectical Behavior Therapy include:

• Interpersonal effectiveness - communicating personal needs, learning to say "no," minimizing interpersonal conflict with assertive (not abusive) strategies
• Distress tolerance - overcoming difficult periods of discomfort through acceptance of current situations (not the same as approval)
• Emotion regulation - identifying and labeling emotions, increasing behaviors that lead to positive feelings, taking action based on reason rather than emotion

Skills are taught in such a manner as to enhance the client's cognitive abilities in ways that result in positive self-soothing techniques, coping mechanisms, and propensity for solving problems.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders at The Canyon

The Healing Life Program at The Canyon is specially designed to meet the multifaceted recovery needs of those with co-occurring disorders. Reducing suicidal tendencies is top priority. Developing positive relationships with yourself and others is also important, as is recognizing and learning to work towards personal goals and aspirations.

The qualified staff at The Canyon is second to none, offering you or a loved one expert guidance both during the residential stay and through outpatient aftercare meetings. Call The Canyon at anytime to get started.

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