Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Suburban Behavioral Health Services Our Services Therapy

Suburban Behavioral Health Services

Board Certified Psychiatrists & Behavioral Counselors located in Oakbrook Terrace, IL & Wheaton, IL

What is the difference between DBT and CBT?

Both DBT and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective forms of therapy, but they have key differences:

  • Focus: DBT focuses on accepting and validating emotions, while CBT aims to change negative thoughts and behaviors.
  • Structure: DBT often uses group therapy with specific skills training modules, while CBT is typically individual therapy with a more flexible approach.
  • Suitability: DBT is often preferred for people who struggle with intense emotions and find traditional CBT challenging.

What is DBT used for?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its effectiveness extends far beyond that. DBT can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Substance abuse

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues. It's often the preferred type of psychotherapy because it can quickly help you identify and cope with specific challenges. It generally requires fewer sessions than other types of therapy and is done in a structured way.

CBT is a useful tool to address emotional challenges. For example, it may help you:

  • Manage symptoms of mental illness
  • Prevent a relapse of mental illness symptoms
  • Treat a mental illness when medications aren't a good option
  • Learn techniques for coping with stressful life situations
  • Identify ways to manage emotions
  • Resolve relationship conflicts and learn better ways to communicate
  • Cope with grief or loss
  • Overcome emotional trauma related to abuse or violence
  • Cope with a medical illness
  • Manage chronic physical symptoms

Mental health disorders that may improve with CBT include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Phobias
  • PTSD
  • Sleep disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sexual disorders
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Conditions & Treatments