Maybe you’ve just started therapy, and your therapist has mentioned that they teach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Perhaps you’ve been curious about working with a therapist for a while, but when you see techniques like CBT or DBT on various websites, you’re not sure who you should reach out to.
If you’re new to therapy, or you’ve never worked with a therapist who uses these methods before, it’s normal to feel confused! On the surface, CBT and DBT might seem like they’re quite similar. In fact, it’s all too easy to get the acronyms mixed up. Let’s break down the key differences between these approaches to therapy.
Similarities Between CBT And DBT
CBT and DBT do have some overlap, and DBT is technically considered a type of CBT. Both of these modalities are goal-oriented, aimed at helping people overcome their mental health challenges so that they can solve concrete problems in their daily lives.
Furthermore, CBT and DBT emphasize the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are inherently connected, so by changing our thoughts and behaviors, we can also improve our emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Who Can Benefit From CBT And DBT?
CBT is primarily aimed at people struggling with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through these techniques, people can reframe their thoughts and gradually change their behaviors.
However, DBT was initially developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). While it is not restricted to people with this diagnosis, therapists often apply this approach for clients living with conditions that cause persistent emotional dysregulation.
How Do Therapists Teach CBT And DBT?
CBT is generally taught in one-on-one sessions between a therapist and their individual client. The therapist might provide helpful resources like worksheets that clients can use outside of sessions.
On the other hand, DBT is often taught in group skills training sessions that consist of several modules. DBT clients can also receive phone coaching outside of sessions.
Principles Of CBT Vs DBT
CBT encourages people to focus on the present rather than ruminating on the past or future. The client and therapist work together to identify specific goals and break down clear action steps to achieve these goals. People will have the opportunity to practice key CBT skills in their daily lives.
DBT emphasizes mindfulness, healthy coping skills, and the acceptance of difficult or complicated circumstances. DBT counselors help clients explore how opposing ideas can be true at the same time so that they can work to change their habits without engaging in harsh self-criticism. Additionally, validation is a crucial part of DBT. Acknowledging the validity of one’s thoughts and emotions is crucial to healing, even if these feelings are uncomfortable.
Important Techniques In CBT And DBT
CBT is centered on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. Therapists will guide their clients in identifying and shifting thought and behavioral patterns that might be contributing to anxiety. CBT can also involve exposure therapy, in which a therapist will support their client in navigating controlled environments where they can face their fears safely.
When it comes to DBT, mindfulness meditation is considered an essential skill. Tuning into the present without judgment can help people find relief from anxiety and regulate their emotions. Additionally, people learn how to identify the thoughts and emotions that tend to prompt problematic behaviors. Finally, people strive for radical acceptance through DBT. This doesn’t mean liking or condoning a situation, but simply releasing resistance.
–
If you’re curious about CBT or DBT, our team is here to help. Connect with our practice to discuss our approaches to therapy and find out which path might be right for you.
