Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in New York

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. The "dialectical" part refers to balancing acceptance and change—accepting yourself as you are while also working to change destructive behaviors. This balance is crucial for addiction recovery, where shame can sabotage progress.

DBT focuses on four core skill areas: mindfulness (staying present and aware), distress tolerance (surviving crises without making things worse), emotion regulation (managing intense feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating needs and maintaining relationships). For people who use substances to manage overwhelming emotions, these skills are transformative.

What makes DBT distinctive is its comprehensive structure. Traditional DBT includes individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching for crises, and therapist consultation teams. This multi-layered approach provides support from multiple angles.

DBT typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions plus weekly group skills classes. The skills training covers the four modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—rotating through them over time.

You'll learn specific techniques: "opposite action" when emotions push you toward destructive behavior, "radical acceptance" for things you cannot change, "TIPP" skills for managing crisis moments (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Progressive relaxation). These aren't abstract concepts—they're practical tools you practice repeatedly until they become second nature.

Phone coaching is a unique DBT element. When you're in crisis and tempted to use, you can call your therapist for real-time skill coaching. This bridges the gap between weekly sessions when crises don't wait.