Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a variation of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on teaching people to be mindful and live in the given moment. The primary goal of DBT is to develop healthy ways to deal with stress, regulate emotions, and reduce conflict. Compared to CBT, DBT places more emphasis on managing emotions and building healthy relationships.
How DBT Works
DBT is often used in a variety of settings such as individual therapy, group therapy, and phone coaching. It revolves around four key areas, which include mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.
During sessions, therapists will offer validation to increase the chance of cooperation and positive change. They may validate that your actions make sense without agreeing that they’re the best way to resolve an issue. Instead, a therapist will work with you to develop new strategies to adopt healthier skills based on the four main pillars of DBT:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness refers to one’s ability to be present in the moment. This means not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It’s also important to be able to accept difficult situations, rather than avoid them or fixate on what “should have” been done in the past.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT encourages individuals to develop relationships with others based on mutual respect and compassion. This involves effective communication by paying attention to tone of voice and body language along with what is actually being said.
Distress Tolerance
Distress tolerance is defined as the ability to tolerate feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, or pain in the moment. DBT involves developing effective ways of dealing with difficult or troubling situations that may arise. This can include anything from distracting yourself during a panic attack until it passes, taking deep breaths when angry, or finding a healthy physical release for pent-up nervous energy.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional self-regulation is the process of controlling your emotions in a healthy manner. DBT encourages patients to examine their feelings and develop constructive methods for dealing with them. The aim is to gain an understanding of what these sentiments are and why they occur, rather than attempting to eliminate or hide them.
200+ 5 Star Reviews
CBH is great. I really loved the staff they were extremely helpful and kind. The therapy we get is great and facilitators really care.
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Andrea H.
4/15/2024
Compassion met me in a time of crisis with my medication. Their staff swiftly acted and got me into a more stabilized position. The staff are one of the best parts of the program. Not only are they good at their jobs, but they truly care for the individual. I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am for this place. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction look no further than CBH.
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Caleb J.
4/10/2024
My time at CBH was truly life changing. I have so many positive things to mention but to sum it up in one sentence, honestly life changing would be it. The staff, the therapy, the community it was all so very pleasant. Thankful for the help I’ve received here.
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Maddy R.
4/09/2024
Staff was caring and helpful. Housing was brand new. All treatment centers have some flaws. But the good out weight the bad here and the people are what makes it worth comming.
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Cameron M.
4/09/2024
My can’t express how awesome my experience at CBH has been. The facilities were new, clean, professional and the amount of care and understanding from senior leadership all the way down the a BHT tech was incredible. I hope never to have to come back but if needed I know they have my back.
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Chet G.
4/02/2024
My experience here has been beyond phenomenal. I'm stepping down to IOP as a new woman ,and I couldn't have done this without the team here at CBH . They're sweet,funny, kind,organized,serious when needed,and supportive 💕💚
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Eyinlade B.
4/02/2024
This was my first time at a rehabilitation center, and last lol, The facilitators and staff were understanding and easy to work with! Will really stood out to me was the in person therapist! While, this was my first time having a face-to-face therapist, I liked how she really took the time to get to understand and know me and was really empathetic to my needs!
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Sam B.
4/02/2024
been to treatment 17 times and this is the best place i’ve ever been to. facilitators are amazing, townhouses are beautiful, and the techs are so helpful. CBH helped me realize my self worth and value. it has helped me through my substance abuse and codependency issues. CBH taught me more than 12 years of school. this is the longest time i’ve ever been sober and i have CBH to thank for that. love this place and would recommend to anyone with a co-occurring diagnosis.
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Cassandra K.
4/02/2024
Never thought I'd make but if I can anyone can just give it all u got. Be blessed and Love All!!!!!
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Deven N.
3/26/2024
I’ve had an amazing experience here at compassion. ❤️ the group facilitators taught the groups in a way that was easy to understand. The staff and therapists were so knowledgeable and full of empathy. With the help of being stabilized on my meds & “doing the work” I can truly say that I feel like a changed person ❤️
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Sina F.
3/12/2024
This facility was great, staff, & environment. Specifics Hailey, Cameron, and Alaina were great and even the medical staff was great. If you are looking to get better this is the right place.
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Will M.
3/12/2024
I have hope gor the future.
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Jill P.
2/12/2024
This has been one of the best treatment centers ever. They really care for the clients needs. Definitely would refer anyone who's going through addiction and mental health to go here.
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Gregory H.
2/05/2024
My experience here was amazing. My doctors, therapists, and health technicians were above and beyond professional. My time here has given me hope for the best future imaginable and I owe it to the full dedicated staff who live for nothing else but the patients well being. Thank you to everyone involved in my healthcare treatment during my time here. I am eternally grateful to all of you.
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Keith M.
2/05/2024
I have been blessed with the opportunity to continue my healing and path of self-discovery, thanks to Compassions. Cameron, Heather, Vaneeta, Leah, Janene, Elena, Evo, Paul, Andres, Amanda, Kenya, Richie, Sarah, Jenny, Keith, Jennifer, Paula, Ramona, Tamika, Hailey, Danielle— I could keep going but you get the point— were all extremely supportive and caring. Everyone there is an asset to the programs offered. I feel stable and so much more self-aware. I cannot explain how grateful I am for each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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kalena v.
1/21/2024
I feel I have the best tools to stay sober. The approach from a behavioral therapist has given me confidence that I will stay sober. My case manager Romona has helped me to be prepared for the outside world. My therapist Liz has helped me address my mental health and needs related to sobriety.
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David H.
1/19/2024
.My experience was a good one. I would recommend this facility for anyone seeking help. My therapist Liseanne was amazing. My case manager Ramona was professional and helpfull. Thanks CBH for giving me a better prospective of treatment.
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Royce W.
1/19/2024
great people. good experience. forever grateful.
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matthew h.
1/18/2024
From the facilitators, clinical team, and techs; everyone was great! Very welcoming and compassionate. I would highly recommend this facility. They really help you get to the next stages of your life. A lot of changes have happened since being here and they were with me every step of the way!
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kirstin s.
1/15/2024
Cameron is the best case worker I ever had she is very helpful and made sure I had everything I needed to succeed I'm very greatful for her she is amazing thanks cam you rock
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Supa Y.
1/15/2024
After spending a month at compassions behavioral health in Oakwood , I’ve learned how to manage my emotions and better understand my substance abuse problem. The staff here are great and genuinely care about your needs. The therapist and case managers went above and beyond to ensure a successful rehabilitation. The techs are always checking on you and work hard to keep us on a routine. I have nothing but gratitude for compassions and would highly recommend this program to someone else who is struggling.
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Nicolas P.
1/01/2024
Amazing experience with incredible, caring people. I was treated really great by all the health and residential staff. Paula and Hailey really helped me find inner peace again. Tiki and Evo made sure I did not want for anything. My case manager Cameron was awesome. All techs and clinical staff were outstanding.
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TheRhino35
12/24/2023
Great experience at CBH. I started on Residential level of care and stepped down to PHP and then IOP and completed the program in 40 days. I been to many centers before and the staff and program here is amazing. The facility is great and everyone is supportive. Thank you for giving me a second chance in life.
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Kimberly F.
12/23/2023
Great therapists and nice facilities including clinical and housing.
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Pete P.
12/22/2023
I was pleasantly surprised with how effective and beneficial this PHP program was. Thank you too my therapist Haley she's is the best as well as Cameron too. I cant thank them enough. I would definitely refer this program to anyone that needs it!
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Jared J.
12/19/2023
My experience at Compassion Health was just amazing! I truly recommend it. You get the quality care and understanding from a team of experts that care about you and make you feel at home.
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Lorena P.
12/17/2023
Excellent staff especially my case worker Cameron and the rest of the team. Thanks y'all!!
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Cheri B.
12/03/2023
Cameron was extremely helpful in all areas of my needs and got things needing to get done in a timely manner. Housing was clean and well kept. Tiki and Tamika were a blessing. All groups were insightful and helpful.. I would recommend anyone in need of help to call CBH. Thank you for all everyone's done for me....
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Kristinne N.
11/19/2023
My best experience for SA treatment, by far. Rehab is not a comfortable situation in which to be in the first place, but the staff at compassion treated me with dignity and a caring disposition every day. For PHP there are rules and structure as is expected from a treatment program, but they were not intrusive and there was plenty of activities to cope with the constraints and make it much more bearable. I'm grateful for having been able to attend and complete the program.
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Mauricio P.
11/19/2023
This faculty was a stepping stone in my life journey to become the woman that I am today. They provided a safe place for me to feel how I was feeling. With that, I am celebrating two years sober this weekend 11/12. Very grateful for all the staff and growth.
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Kamerin C.
11/12/2023