Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Colorado

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment that emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change. The term “dialectical” refers to the synthesis of opposites—helping clients accept themselves as they are while simultaneously working toward positive change. This approach recognizes that two seemingly contradictory things can be true at the same time, which proves especially valuable for individuals dealing with intense emotional responses and challenging life circumstances.

DBT focuses on four core skill modules that work together to create lasting behavioral strategies and emotional change:

• Mindfulness forms the foundation of DBT practice. These mindfulness exercises help you stay present in the moment without judgment, allowing you to observe your thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. Developing an emotional mind, balanced with reason, creates the awareness necessary for implementing other Dialectical Behavioral strategies effectively.
• Distress tolerance skills teach you how to cope with painful situations without making them worse through impulsive or self-destructive behaviors. Rather than turning to substances or harmful coping mechanisms when emotions become intense, you learn healthy coping strategies to tolerate distress until you can address the situation more effectively.
• Emotion regulation helps you understand, name, and manage your emotional experiences. These emotional regulation skills reduce emotional vulnerability and help you decrease the intensity and duration of painful emotions. For individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation or emotional instability, these skills prove essential for preventing relapse and building emotional resilience in recovery.
• Interpersonal effectiveness skills improve your ability to communicate your needs, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships. These skills help you ask for what you need, say no when necessary, and navigate conflict while maintaining self-respect and preserving important relationships.

When you participate in DBT Colorado programming at Acqua Recovery, you’ll engage in structured skills training that builds upon each module progressively. Our approach combines psychoeducation about Dialectical Behavior Therapy principles with hands-on practice of specific skills. You’ll learn not just the theory behind cognitive behavior therapy, but practical techniques you can apply immediately to real-life challenges involving emotional responses and emotional dysregulation.

The therapy you are receiving at Acqua Recovery may include complementary modalities. Our comprehensive therapy offerings extend beyond DBT to include EMDR Therapy for trauma processing, family therapy to heal relationships affected by addiction, and other evidence-based approaches. This integrated addiction therapy program ensures you receive well-rounded care that addresses all aspects of your well-being.