Dialectical Behavior Therapy:
Your Path Toward Your New Life

What is dialectical behavioral therapy and what role does it play in whole-person recovery? Find out in this comprehensive guide.
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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

DBT is an evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It is especially effective for individuals struggling with addiction, emotional dysregulation, and co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

At New Life Recovery, DBT is a cornerstone of our treatment programs, helping clients build the skills they need to manage emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and create lasting change.

New Life Recovery integrates dialectical behavior therapy into both inpatient and outpatient programs, offering a seamless transition between levels of care. Our whole-person approach is designed to help clients rewire their brain’s reward system, promoting long-term recovery and emotional well-being.

dialectical behavior therapy

What Makes Dialectical Behavior Therapy Unique?

DBT was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD).1 Over time, it has been adapted to address a wide range of mental health and addiction challenges.

Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns, dialectical behavior therapy emphasizes balancing acceptance and change.

This means learning to accept emotions and experiences without judgment while also developing skills to make positive changes in life.

DBT with New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, DBT is more than just a therapy—it’s a way of life. With a staff-to-client ratio of 1:5, clients receive personalized care from licensed therapists trained in DBT and other evidence-based therapies.

Our clients learn to stay present in the moment through mindfulness practices, which are integrated into daily activities. This helps them build emotional resilience and reduce reactivity to triggers, which is especially important for those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).

The Core Components of DBT

Dialectical behavioral therapy is built on four key components, each designed to help individuals manage emotions, cope with stress, and build healthier relationships.
These components are:
  1. Mindfulness:  Increasing awareness of the present moment and reducing reactivity to emotional triggers; mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, are a cornerstone of dialectical behavior therapy at New Life Recovery.
  2. Distress Tolerance: Teaching clients how to cope with crisis situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. Skills include distraction techniques, self-soothing, and improving the moment.
  3. Emotion Regulation: DBT helps individuals identify, understand, and manage intense emotions, which is particularly important for those with addiction, as emotional dysregulation often leads to substance use.
  4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Through DBT, individuals learn invaluable communication skills, the art of setting boundaries, and building healthier relationships—all crucial for individuals in recovery.
These skills are taught through a combination of individual therapy and group skills training, ensuring clients receive both personalized attention and peer support.

How DBT Supports Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

At New Life Recovery, our dialectical behavior therapy programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you are seeking treatment for addiction, trauma, or a co-occurring mental health disorder, our team of licensed therapists is here to help you build a new life free from substance use.

Who Can Benefit from DBT Therapy?

DBT is highly effective for individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as SUD and mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.2 It provides tools to address the root causes of addiction, such as trauma and emotional pain.

Beyond that, dialectical behavior therapy provides tools to manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors, making it a valuable resource for individuals experiencing self-harm or suicidal ideation.3
For example, many individuals with addiction struggle with intense emotions, which can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication. Dialectical behavior therapy helps clients learn to manage these emotions in a healthy way, reducing the need for substances.

Transitioning to Inpatient and Outpatient DBT Programs

At New Life Recovery, dialectical behavior therapy is implemented in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring continuity of care. Inpatient programs offer intensive DBT skills training, including daily group therapy and individual sessions.
Clients receive personalized care from DBT-trained therapists, ensuring a tailored approach to their recovery. Outpatient programs focus on reinforcing dialectical behavior therapy skills learned during inpatient treatment.
This helps clients continue to practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation in their daily lives.

One-Campus Recovery

Our unique approach allows clients to transition smoothly between levels of care without the added stress of changing locations. This continuity is a key part of our treatment philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of building a lifelong recovery community.
By offering all levels of care on one campus, New Life Recovery ensures that clients are supported throughout their entire recovery journey and that they have the tools needed to find success after formal treatment ends.
dialectical behavior therapy

DBT in Inpatient and Outpatient Care

At New Life Recovery, dialectical behavioral therapy is a key part of both inpatient and outpatient programs. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition between levels of care, ensuring clients receive the support they need at every stage of their recovery journey.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient programs at New Life Recovery offer intensive dialectical behavior therapy skills training. The inpatient program is designed to help clients build a strong foundation for recovery, equipping them with the tools they need to manage emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships.
Clients participate in a variety of therapy sessions with licensed DBT-trained therapists, such as

Clients participate in a variety of therapy sessions with licensed DBT-trained therapists, such as

  • Daily Group Therapy: Clients practice dialectical behavior therapy skills in a supportive group setting, learning from both therapists and peers.
  • Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions help clients address specific challenges and apply DBT skills to their unique situations.
  • Holistic Integration: Dialectical behavior therapy is combined with holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and cold plunge therapy to promote overall well-being.
This structured environment allows clients to focus entirely on their recovery while learning essential skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs at New Life Recovery focus on reinforcing the DBT skills learned during inpatient treatment. Clients continue to practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation in their daily lives, with ongoing support from our team.

Our outpatient programming includes:
  • Weekly Sessions: Clients attend group and individual therapy sessions to review and refine their DBT skills.
  • Real-World Application: Outpatient programs help clients apply DBT skills to real-life situations, such as managing stress at work or improving family relationships.
  • Continued Support: Our Fresno, California team provides ongoing guidance to help clients stay on track and maintain their progress.
Our outpatient program is ideal for clients who have completed inpatient treatment or those who need a less intensive level of care. It ensures that clients continue to build on their recovery skills while transitioning back to their everyday lives.

Integrating DBT with Other Therapies at New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, dialectical behavioral therapy is not used in isolation. Instead, it is integrated with other evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that clients receive the support they need to address both the psychological and physical aspects of addiction and mental health challenges.
The following describes some of our key integrated approaches:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy and CBT

While DBT and CBT share some similarities, they each bring unique strengths to the treatment process.
Below describes a DBT and a CBT focus when working with clients:

DBT Focus

DBT emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness. It teaches clients to accept their emotions without judgment while also developing skills to make positive changes.
For instance, a client might use mindfulness techniques to stay present during a stressful situation instead of turning to substances.

CBT Focus

CBT, on the other hand,focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to harmful behaviors.4

For example, a client struggling with substance use disorder might learn to recognize thoughts like “I need alcohol to cope with stress” and replace them with healthier alternatives.

A Combined Approach

Together, CBT and DBT provide a balanced approach to treatment. CBT helps clients reframe negative thoughts, while DBT equips them with the tools to manage emotions and cope with stress in healthier ways. This combination is particularly effective for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

In context, a client with both SUD and anxiety might use CBT to challenge the thought “I can’t handle this situation without drugs,” while using DBT skills like distress tolerance to manage the anxiety without resorting to substance use.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Holistic Therapies

At New Life Recovery, DBT is seamlessly integrated with holistic therapies to promote overall well-being and enhance the mindfulness component of DBT.
Some therapies offered are:
  • Yoga and Meditation: These practices help clients develop mindfulness, a core component of DBT. Yoga encourages clients to focus on their breath and stay present in the moment, while meditation teaches them to observe their thoughts without judgment.
  • Cold Plunge Therapy: This holistic treatment involves brief exposure to cold water, which can help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. It complements DBT by teaching clients to tolerate discomfort and build resilience.
  • Fitness Programs: Physical activity is a natural way to boost mood and reduce stress. Our fitness programs encourage clients to engage in activities they enjoy, which can help naturally activate the brain’s reward system—a key focus of DBT. 

DBT and MAT

For some clients, medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is an essential part of their recovery journey. When combined with DBT, MAT provides a comprehensive approach to addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

What is MAT?

MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This allows clients to focus on their recovery without the constant struggle of physical dependence.

DBT and MAT Integration

While MAT addresses the physical aspects of addiction, DBT focuses on the emotional and psychological challenges. Clients learn skills like emotion regulation and distress tolerance to manage triggers and empower them to thrive without returning to SUD.

Comprehensive Care

This combination ensures that clients receive holistic care tailored to their needs. For example, a client on MAT for opioid use disorder might use DBT skills to manage cravings and cope with stress, reducing the likelihood of SUD.

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction, this integrated approach promotes long-term recovery.

Why Integration Matters

Integrating DBT with other therapies ensures that clients receive well-rounded care that addresses all aspects of their recovery. At New Life Recovery, we believe that healing the mind, body, and spirit is essential for lasting change.

By integrating DBT with other therapies, New Life Recovery provides a unique and effective treatment experience. Whether through the combination of DBT and CBT, the use of holistic therapies, or the integration of MAT, our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client.
This comprehensive approach not only supports recovery but also empowers clients to build a new life filled with hope, healing, and strength.
dialectical behavior therapy

Why Choose New Life Recovery for DBT Treatment?

New Life Recovery is a premier treatment center in California’s Central Valley, offering a unique and comprehensive approach to DBT treatment.

Our DBT treatment extends beyond symptom management, embracing a whole-person approach to care that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

We understand that true healing requires more than just learning skills; it demands a supportive environment that fosters self-compassion, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, empowering individuals to build a life worth living.

Building a New Life with DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy is a powerful tool for managing emotions, reducing impulsive behaviors, and improving relationships. In essence—it helps individuals create a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, consider exploring DBT at New Life Recovery. Our comprehensive, evidence-based approach can help you break the cycle of substance use disorder and create a meaningful, substance-free future.

Ready for a Happier Tomorrow?

Reach out online or call us today at (559) 674-0500 to learn more about our DBT programs and start your journey to recovery.

Resources

  1. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62 
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2963469/
  3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2021.01.016 
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/ 
 

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