How DBT Works at New Leaf
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for addiction at New Leaf is led by licensed clinicians, with psychiatric APN support when needed. Core DBT skills include emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. [2]
We teach practical coping strategies you can apply immediately — such as identifying emotions, resisting urges, setting boundaries, and staying present. Care is delivered in a trauma-informed environment that feels calm, predictable, and supportive. The goals are clear: reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and improve quality of life with evidence-based treatment in a welcoming, second-home atmosphere.
DBT skills and addiction recovery: [3]
- Emotion regulation: Learn to identify, track, and balance intense emotions so urges don’t control your day.
- Distress tolerance skills: Build short, effective tools to survive urges without relapse — including TIPP, paced breathing, sensory grounding, and self-soothing.
- Mindfulness: Practice present-moment awareness to notice cravings and thoughts without acting on them, reducing relapse risk.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Strengthen boundaries, communication, and repair skills to support healthy family and social relationships in recovery.
Skills training happens in both group and individual therapy. Clinicians tailor each step to your unique needs, addressing substance use disorders and high-risk patterns such as self-harm or strong urges. DBT also supports co-occurring conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), PTSD, and eating disorders. [4] All work is paced to your readiness and integrated within your IOP or Virtual IOP plan so progress carries into daily life.
Benefits of DBT for Addiction
DBT reduces emotional dysregulation and cravings while teaching safer coping strategies for withdrawal symptoms and stress. As communication and boundaries improve, relationships and family dynamics stabilize.
DBT also complements other evidence-based modalities at New Leaf — including CBT, EMDR, and family therapy — ensuring your care works together effectively. Over time, daily practice builds confidence and relapse-prevention habits that support long-term recovery in everyday life.
What to Expect in DBT Sessions
DBT sessions include brief check-ins, skills training, mindfulness exercises, and practical coping strategies for managing urges. Expect group role-plays and real-life scenarios, along with supportive feedback from licensed clinicians and peers.
You’ll leave with simple homework, daily skills logs, and short mindfulness or coping practices to repeat between sessions. Progress is reviewed in individual therapy, where new skills are integrated into your relapse prevention plan to ensure lasting results.
Who It Helps
DBT helps individuals with substance use disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction. It’s also highly effective for co-occurring conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), PTSD, depression, and eating disorders.
We serve both adolescents and adults, involving families and loved ones whenever it supports recovery. DBT is a strong fit for people managing emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or other high-risk relapse triggers—providing structure, accountability, and practical tools to navigate daily life with stability and confidence.
