Strong emotions can feel overwhelming—especially during recovery. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches people how to manage emotions, stay grounded, and build stronger relationships without resorting to harmful behaviors.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, DBT is a core part of our evidence-based therapy programs. Our licensed clinicians use DBT to help clients stabilize, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for handling stress, relationships, and daily challenges in recovery.
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy was created by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to help people who struggle with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or relationship conflicts.
The word dialectical means combining two seemingly opposite ideas: acceptance and change. DBT teaches clients to accept themselves as they are while also working toward positive change.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, DBT helps clients:
- Understand and manage overwhelming emotions
- Handle distress without turning to drugs, alcohol, or self-harm
- Improve communication and relationships
- Build a life that feels stable and meaningful
Who DBT helps
DBT is used to treat a variety of mental health and behavioral challenges, especially when emotions and impulsive behaviors cause distress or disruption. It can help:
- People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who experience unstable moods and relationships
- Individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation and impulsivity
- Clients with self-harm or suicidal behaviors
- People coping with PTSD, depression, or anxiety
- Those in addiction recovery who need new coping skills for cravings and stress
- Adolescents and young adults learning emotional and social regulation
The four core DBT skills modules
DBT is built around four main skill sets that clients practice in therapy and daily life.
Mindfulness
Learning to stay present and aware without judgment helps reduce impulsive reactions and increases self-control.
Distress tolerance
These skills teach healthy ways to handle painful emotions or crisis situations without making them worse—such as using breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or self-soothing tools.
Emotion regulation
Clients learn to recognize emotions early, name them accurately, and respond in ways that reduce mood swings and emotional burnout.
Interpersonal effectiveness
These skills focus on setting boundaries, expressing needs clearly, and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and peers.
Therapists at Hickory Grove Recovery help clients practice these skills in real-life situations, reinforcing confidence and stability over time.
How DBT works: Structure and modes
DBT uses a structured approach that combines individual therapy, group skills training, and ongoing support.
Individual therapy
Clients meet one-on-one with a licensed therapist to discuss challenges, practice skills, and stay accountable to goals.
Group skills training
Group sessions focus on learning and applying DBT skills together. Clients share experiences, learn from peers, and practice emotional management techniques in a safe, guided environment.
Skills coaching and support
Between sessions, clients may receive extra support or check-ins from their care team to reinforce what they’ve learned and apply it in real-world situations.
Consultation for therapists
Clinicians at Hickory Grove Recovery meet regularly to review cases, share insights, and ensure the highest standard of DBT care for every client.
Duration and stages of DBT treatment
DBT is a structured process that usually unfolds in stages, depending on the client’s goals and progress.
- Stage 1: Stabilize life-threatening or self-destructive behaviors.
- Stage 2: Address emotional pain and behaviors that interfere with quality of life.
- Stage 3: Build self-respect and strengthen relationships.
- Stage 4: Develop a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection in recovery.
The length of DBT varies, but most clients begin noticing improvements in mood and coping within a few weeks. Many continue working on DBT skills throughout ongoing recovery.
Benefits and research evidence
DBT is supported by more than 30 years of research and is considered one of the most effective therapies for emotional regulation and relapse prevention.
DBT can:
- Reduce self-harm and suicidal behavior
- Decrease hospitalization and relapse rates
- Improve emotional stability and functioning
- Strengthen interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Our DBT program
DBT at Hickory Grove Recovery is part of our trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to addiction and co-occurring disorder treatment.
What to expect:
- A full assessment to identify your emotional and behavioral goals
- Structured weekly therapy sessions focused on learning and applying DBT skills
- Group sessions for skill-building and community support
- Licensed clinicians trained in DBT, CBT, and trauma therapy
- A safe, compassionate environment that encourages growth at your own pace
Our therapists emphasize collaboration, respect, and cultural sensitivity to ensure every client feels seen and supported.
DBT vs other therapies
Understanding how DBT compares to other treatments can help you see why it’s effective.
| Therapy Type | Focus | Key Differences |
| Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | Managing emotions and improving relationships | Combines mindfulness and behavior change strategies |
| Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | Changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors | Focuses on thinking patterns rather than emotion regulation |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Living according to personal values | Emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness but with fewer structured skills modules |
At Hickory Grove Recovery, therapists often combine DBT with CBT or ACT to create a customized plan for each client.
Delivery and availability
DBT is provided within our residential treatment and detox programs. Clients participate in both individual and group therapy led by trained clinicians.
We also offer teletherapy and hybrid options for ongoing care, allowing clients to continue working with their therapist after discharge.
Getting started with DBT
Starting DBT begins with a confidential assessment and personalized care plan.
The process includes:
- An intake evaluation to understand your needs and treatment goals
- A personalized therapy schedule that includes group and individual sessions
- Ongoing progress reviews and skill reinforcement
- Help with insurance verification and scheduling
Our admissions team can guide you through every step, from your first call to your first session.
FAQs: Dialectical behavior therapy
DBT can help if you often feel overwhelmed by emotions, act impulsively, or struggle with relationships. It’s also effective for addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
DBT is a structured therapy that typically lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on your needs. Some clients continue using DBT skills long after completing treatment.
Therapists may give short assignments—like practicing mindfulness or keeping a journal—to help reinforce new skills between sessions.
Clients can receive support between sessions through scheduled check-ins or brief coaching. This helps you apply DBT skills in real-life situations when challenges arise.
Most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover DBT when provided as part of residential or medical detox. Our staff can help verify your coverage.
Start DBT at Hickory Grove Recovery
Learning to manage emotions takes time, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible. Dialectical behavior therapy gives you the tools to stay balanced, communicate effectively, and create lasting change.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, our DBT program combines compassion with science to help you build a life that feels stable, healthy, and worth living.
Call our admissions team at 501.509.5143 or contact us online to learn more about DBT and how it can support your recovery journey.
