Viable coping methods are hard to come by. Between the surplus of self-help books released each year and all the products marketed as “embodying the pinnacle of health and wellness,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How should someone know which of these methods or products works? And, more importantly, how is that person supposed to know which works best for them? Coping mechanisms are techniques designed to help reduce and relieve stress, anxiety, and unpleasant emotions. Many coping mechanisms are unconscious, such as crossing one’s arms or playing with their hair, while others are conscious and even practiced to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Therapy can be incredibly beneficial when viable coping mechanisms are in short supply. There are many different types of therapy offered on the market today. Some have a particular focus, treating very niche conditions, while others are more broadly applicable. Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that deals with controlling emotions, thoughts, and impulsive behaviors. To learn more about dialectical behavior therapy benefits, contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® at 855.773.0614. Our dialectical behavioral therapy aims to improve the quality of life and restore balance.
What Are the Benefits of DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy is an interesting form of therapy. Dialectical, in this sense, means the opposite. The opposites that this term refers to are acceptance and change. These two may seem mutually exclusive, but as multiple studies have shown, acceptance and change can actually come together to create an incredibly beneficial form of therapy.
Dialectical behavior therapy helps clients identify intrusive thoughts, negative thought patterns, and harmful behavioral trends that negatively impact their life. Once these have been identified, clients work with their therapist to strategize to overcome and cope. These strategies include honing new problem-solving skills and developing coping mechanisms to combat stress and tribulation. Studies have found numerous benefits from completing DBT therapy, some of which include:
- Increased problem-solving skills
- Increased emotional control
- Increased stress tolerance
- Improved mood
- Improved social skills
- Improved communication skills
- Decreased anger
- Decrease in impulsive action
- Decrease in negative/intrusive thoughts
As previously stated, dialectical behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. This means that clients will spend much of their treatment in discussion with their therapist. Clients must be open to accepting judgment-free criticism and making changes in their lives for the benefits of DBT to fully work.
Who Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Benefit Most?
It’s hard to imagine a person who couldn’t improve their coping mechanisms, and Dialectical behavior therapy benefits have the power to provide exactly that. However, DBT has a particularly positive effect on the following issues:
- Self-harm
- Impulsive behavior
- Suicidal ideations
- Eating disorders
- Trauma
- Substance use disorder
- Anger management
- Grief
- Anxiety
- depression
Anyone can benefit from DBT. DBT is practiced in four stages. Stage one is individual therapy, where therapists assess clients’ needs, strengths, and shortcomings and work on developing new skills and coping mechanisms. The second stage often involves a group component focused on group skill training and interpersonal effectiveness. Stage three encourages clients to practice their newfound skills in real-life settings while offering additional support via coaching over the phone in between sessions. The fourth stage pertains to aftercare planning and relapse prevention, ensuring clients don’t fall into old, harmful patterns.
DBT Benefits and Services at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Life is inherently stressful at times. There is just no way to avoid this. Having reliable coping mechanisms is critical to maintaining the quality of life and emotional well-being.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic services conducted by a staff of licensed, dedicated, and passionate professionals.For more information on dialectical behavior therapy benefits, contact us today at 855.773.0614.
