The Difference Between CBT vs. DBT

What Are the Differences Between CBT & DBT?

When looking at the differences between CBT vs. DBT, it’s helpful first to identify what each type of therapy offers in its approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that asks patients to challenge their preconceived points of view and negative thought patterns and then work to change their behaviors and emotional responses to them. Dialectical behavior therapy has some similar concepts to CBT and was originally developed as a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, but it mainly focuses on acceptance and change while also teaching coping mechanisms for emotional regulation and mindfulness. According to Simply Psychology, the main difference between CBT vs. DBT is that CBT focuses more on thought patterns and redirection of negative thought patterns, while DBT seeks balance and centers on the relationship between acceptance and change. 

Another key difference is the time it takes to complete treatment. CBT focuses on reaching the goals set up early in treatment, typically taking 6 to 20 weeks. DBT, meanwhile, takes at least six months to complete because the therapist helps the patient work through multiple issues at once. 

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

When someone goes through the cognitive-behavioral therapy approach, they must start working to change their thought patterns. These strategies for change might include learning how to recognize and reevaluate your distorted thinking with a different perspective, using problem-solving to cope with issues, and better understanding someone’s behavior and motivation. There are three main principles that CBT is based on, according to the American Psychological Association: 

• Psychological problems are based on an unhelpful way of thinking. 
• Psychological problems are also based on learned patterns of behavior that are deemed unhelpful. 
• People who have psychological issues can learn how to cope with them and relieve their symptoms. 

CBT is a more collaborative type of addiction counseling approach. The patient and therapist work together to find a treatment strategy for a specific problem, and the therapist might give the patient some “homework” after the session to develop more coping skills. 

How Does Dialectic Behavior Therapy Work?

In dialectical behavior therapy, “dialectical” refers directly to finding a balance of two opposing concepts: acceptance and change. Patients who go through DBT sessions learn how to fully accept themselves and their emotions and thoughts as they appear in their minds, without giving them judgment, as they work toward a positive change in their lives. DBT specifically works by helping patients improve specific skills, according to Yale Medicine:

• Mindfulness: Patients learn to focus on and accept the present situation without judgment. This involves observing, describing, participating, keeping a nonjudgmental state of mind, paying attention, and doing what is needed. 
• Distress Tolerance: This helps people better tolerate and accept the distress and pain that might come with revealing information in therapy. 
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Patients learn strategies for how to assert themselves in social situations by saying no, asking for what they want, and dealing with conflict in relationships. 
• Emotion Regulation: This skill helps patients better understand and control their emotions. 

Dialectical behavior therapy works on these skills for people in treatment by using one or both options: individual and group therapy. Individual therapy focuses on just one patient and is a one-on-one session with a therapist. In contrast, group therapy involves the patient and others going through a similar mental health issue, all working with a therapist simultaneously. Group therapy is more discussion-based with people talking about their issues and also offering some guidance on what worked for them in the past.

How Do I Choose CBT vs. DBT for Treating Addiction?

When starting your addiction treatment journey, there are many options at Resurgence Behavioral Health. It can be difficult to choose CBT vs. DBT for addiction treatment. The main characteristics of CBT are focusing on altering dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors, teaching coping strategies and skills for handling cravings and avoiding relapse, and being goal-oriented in sessions. As for DBT for addiction treatment, the skills developed include emotional regulation and mindfulness to manage intense emotions, training for distress tolerance, and fostering a supportive, compassionate environment. 

Another factor to consider is the benefits of CBT vs. DBT. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective at helping patients develop healthy coping mechanisms, address co-occurring mental health disorders, improve self-esteem and confidence, and examine core beliefs. DBT’s benefits include accepting and changing behaviors, encouraging mindfulness and emotional regulation, and recognizing co-occurring mental health struggles. Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you figure out the best therapeutic approach for your addiction treatment. All patients who turn to us for help undergo an assessment to fully understand what’s going on and how specialists can help treat them with a tailored treatment plan. 

Get CBT or DBT at Resurgence Behavioral Health

Now that you understand the differences between CBT vs. DBT, you might wonder which is best for your own addiction treatment needs. Resurgence Behavioral Health’s specialists can work with you to determine your unique needs and develop a customized treatment plan best suited for your goals for the future. CBT and DBT therapeutic approaches can be helpful in inpatient or outpatient treatment. They can also be invaluable tools in helping patients address co-occurring mental health concerns at the same time as treating their addiction. Call us at 855-458-0050 to learn which type of therapy, CBT vs. DBT, you should consider for treatment. 

External Sources

• Simply Psychology — CBT and DBT Differences
• American Psychological Association — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Yale Medicine — Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

Research | Editorial