Mental health therapy is a crucial part of the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. There are five broad types of psychotherapy: psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies; integrative or holistic therapy; humanistic therapy; cognitive therapy; and behavioral therapy. Each of these approaches has its own goals, utilizes its different techniques, and has its benefits.
Behavioral therapy aims to identify and change potentially harmful, unhealthy, or self-destructive behaviors. It is based on the belief that all behavior is learned and that unhealthy behavior can be changed. Instead of focusing on the past, behavioral therapy centers focus on how to change current problems. For many, a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program is a critical part of addiction recovery, and Harmony Hills is proud to provide this treatment. Reach out to a mental health professional to learn how to benefit from behavioral therapy by calling 855.494.0357.
The Basics of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a blanket term for a wide range of mental health and addiction treatment approaches whose goal is to identify and change behaviors. More than focusing on a diagnosis, behavioral therapy aims to find a solution to a problem. Behavioral therapy does not delve into your past but instead focuses on current behaviors.
Behaviorists believe that our mind is “tabula rasa,” a blank slate when we are born. All behavior is learned from interacting with our environment through classical or operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is learning by association. Pavlov’s dogs, who learned to salivate at the sound of a bell, are the most famous example of learning by association.
Operant conditioning learning occurs through a system of rewards and punishments. Training your dog to “sit” by giving it a treat is an example of learning through rewards and punishments. Stated, behavior responds to environmental stimuli, and you can learn how to respond in healthy and productive ways.
Who Can Benefit from Behavioral Therapy?
At Harmony Hills, we know that a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy does not work. That is why we strive to work with you to understand your unique needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. Behavioral health is concerned with our daily habits and how they affect our physical and mental well-being. Good habits, such as healthy eating and exercise, contribute positively to our mental and physical health, whereas bad habits, such as drug and alcohol abuse, are detrimental.
Behavioral therapies are evidence-based, meaning that their effects can be clinically proven. Behavioral therapy can benefit individuals with a wide array of conditions, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Self-harm disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
Of course, no type of therapy will be effective without your full participation in the process. Because behavioral therapy focuses on addressing current patterns of thinking and behavior, it is only part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Your treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders at Harmony Hills will include various therapies to address all of your needs.
A Closer Look at Dialectical Behavior Therapy
The term “dialectical” refers to the idea that two opposing ideas can be true simultaneously. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers clients new ways to cope with emotional pain and decrease relationships. DBT places emphasis on four key areas:
- Mindfulness focuses on improving your ability to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment and be present in the here-and-now.
- Distress tolerance focuses on increasing your tolerance of negative emotions rather than trying to escape from them.
- Emotion regulation teaches strategies to identify and manage intense emotions in healthy ways.
- Interpersonal effectiveness teaches strategies to improve your communication with others and state your needs clearly.
Discover the Behavioral Therapy Necessary at Harmony Hills
At Harmony Hills, we know that the decision to seek addiction treatment does not come lightly. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to answer all your questions about behavioral therapy options like DBT. Reach out today by calling 855.494.0357 to discover how improving your behavioral health can aid in your recovery.
