As one of the commonly utilized mental health and drug addiction treatment therapies, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an interactive and skills-based modality that uniquely combines individual therapy with group skills training sessions. This dual approach ensures comprehensive support, allowing clients to benefit from one-on-one attention while also gaining insights and skills through group sessions.

DBT emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction and mental health disorders, working on the following principles:

• Mindfulness: Enhancing awareness of the present moment and engaging fully in the current experience. Mindfulness skills are foundational in DBT for addiction, helping clients to focus on the present and develop a non-judgmental stance towards their thoughts and feelings.
• Distress Tolerance: Developing skills to tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. These skills are crucial for individuals who experience intense emotional pain and aim to teach coping strategies for managing distress without making the situation worse.
• Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing emotions to reduce impulsive actions and improve emotional stability. Emotional regulation skills help clients learn to identify and label emotions, increase positive emotional events, and decrease vulnerability to negative emotions.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building skills to navigate relationships assertively, maintain self-respect, and strengthen connections with others. These skills focus on effective communication, maintaining relationships, and balancing personal needs with demands in social interactions.

Our DBT programs in Los Angeles integrate these principles into a structured framework, providing clients with the necessary tools to manage emotional distress, improve relationships, and lead a balanced, fulfilling life as part of their recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.