Understanding the Differences Between CBT vs DBT

They can also practice techniques like deep breathing to manage intense emotions. For example, a person who thinks he is not good enough or sees himself as a failure will keep engaging in habits that reinforce those thoughts. With cognitive behavioral therapy, such an individual can deal with such negative thoughts. DBT is simply a modified form of CBT that uses traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques, but also implements other skills like mindfulness, acceptance, and tolerating distress.

How to Find a Therapist Who Specializes in CBT or DBT

Are these modes of treatment different or simply variations of each other? Let’s take a closer look at these types of behavioral therapies and how they are related. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two popular psychotherapy treatments that can help with a variety of mental health issues. They share many similarities, but it is crucial to understand the differences.

Theoretical Distinctions Between CBT and DBT

ISTDP (intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy) is a specific type of evidence-based psychodynamic therapy focused on resolving emotional disorders. CBT can be tremendously helpful in understanding the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If you struggle with depression or anxiety, this method is one of the most well-known treatment modalities in mental health. The two behavioral therapies diverge in their response to identified problems.

CBT Cons

On the other hand, DBT is often preferred for adolescents and adults who are dealing with intense emotions, especially when impulsivity and interpersonal issues are present. DBT’s emphasis on radical acceptance also encourages clients to acknowledge setbacks without self-judgment, making it easier to get back on track. CBT therapy is a highly structured, goal-oriented therapy, often involving homework assignments to practice outside of sessions. Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions. It’s worth mentioning again that while DBT helps you create a constructive action plan, it’s still built upon CBT’s foundational principles⁠— modifying negative thought patterns. Accepting the suffering of the world while living with it is often emphasized with DBT Therapy.

When considering DBT therapy vs CBT, remember that dialectical behavioral therapy principles are built on the foundational theories of cognitive behavior. Almost all human actions begin as a thought, which is a cognitive function of the brain. If you’re struggling with mental health challenges, thoughts can be distorted and emotional regulation can become extremely difficult. Both of these can lead to destructive behavior patterns, and DBT might be a successful therapy technique for you.

• DBT was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan as a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD).
• DBT comes from the philosophy of dialectics which means integrating opposing views.
• Interpersonal effectiveness – DBT aims to teach people to communicate in healthy and respectable ways.
• Therefore, negative and unrealistic thoughts can result in feelings of distress and, in turn, have a negative impact on actions.

Applications of DBT

During an initial consultation, the therapist will assess your needs based on your unique concerns, personality, and personal preferences. CBT focuses on identifying, addressing, and changing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors. Both treatments are evidence-based and can help with addressing, overcoming, and regulating emotional challenges. While both CBT and DBT can be effective for treating depression, the evidence behind CBT in treating depression is more exhaustive. Whether you’re dealing with grief, want to improve your coping strategies, or you’re just feeling down – BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy.

• Research shows CBT significantly reduces symptoms while improving mood, cognitive functioning, and quality of life.
• For example, a 35-year-old man who struggled with depression for many years started a 12-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program.
• Also called talk therapy, CBT focuses on talking about your problems to help you frame your thoughts differently.
• This technique helps individuals identify and correct flawed thinking patterns.
• Typically, CBT is a short-term treatment- lasting between 6-10 sessions- and it tends to be direct and collaborative.
• The full acceptance of any experience that’s happening in a given moment offers you the chance to respond in a more constructive manner (which ultimately represents a change of behavior).

Healthcare providers recommend people living with borderline personality disorder try DBT first. CBT views dysfunctional behaviors, thoughts, and feelings as “unhelpful” and tries to change them or help people build skills to redirect those thoughts. This approach can make it hard for people dialectical behavioral therapy to accept their beliefs as reasonable or real. On the other hand, DBT recognizes the same things as CBT but adds the adjustment of emotions, being more mindful, and learning to accept the pain that is part of being human. By receiving themselves, patients may feel safer with managing emotions; this helps to regulate destructive behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Dialectical Behavior Therapy

TIPP is an acronym for a group of exercises employed to build up distress tolerance. Research has found that practicing mindfulness can have a beneficial impact on the body and mind. A mindful focus on the present leads to increased productivity and lower anxiety levels. Mindfulness can also boost immune function, according to a study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. A separate study in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that it can even foster better sleep.