Imagine by Northpoint showcased earlier this week the benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in a group setting at The Advanced International Winter Symposium on Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Imagine Fort Collins Program Director Meredith Vasa, LPC, CAS, hosted the Lunch & Learn Continuing Education event. Titled “Problem Solving and the Serenity Prayer,” Vasa’s presentation covered the opportunities and challenges involved in running an effective DBT skills group on problem-solving.
“Groups provide dynamic ways to bring real-life problems to the therapy room, which can sometimes be hard when it is just a therapist and client in individual therapy,” said Dr. Trevor Bixler, Vice President, Clinical Services at Northpoint Recovery. “Meredith Vasa is one example of someone who knows the content well and uses her personality and authenticity to deliver the material to clients. It’s great to see how that connects in live time.”
Developing problem-solving skills is just one of the skills Vasa and other therapists impart as part of the comprehensive therapies at Imagine Fort Collins and Northpoint Colorado. Skills groups using DBT empower clients to take actionable steps. Such steps reduce the intensity of addiction and mental health symptoms.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach designed to treat individuals with complex emotional and behavioral challenges, including substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. DBT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with Eastern mindfulness practices, emphasizing change and acceptance.
When applied in group, DBT takes on a powerful dynamic, fostering interpersonal learning and mutual support. The therapy also helps create a supportive environment where people can share their struggles and celebrate their successes. This increases feelings of validation and shared understanding.
Group sessions also offer a platform for individuals to practice interpersonal skills while giving and receiving feedback. By the same measure, group members can hold each other accountable for applying these learned skills outside of therapy.
The skills training component focuses on developing four primary skill sets. These skill sets are developed through didactic instruction, experiential exercises, and group discussion:
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Regulation of emotion
- Distress tolerance
About the Winter Symposium
Held Feb. 4 through Feb. 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Colorado Springs, Colo., the 49th Advanced International Winter Symposium on Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health provides education, insight, and training to addiction specialists, counselors, and behavioral health professionals.
The Symposium includes exhibits and presentations related to addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, including trauma, depression, and bipolar. Presenters and attendees are made up of esteemed addiction specialists. Behavioral and mental health practitioners, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and military and state agencies, were also in attendance.
Receive DBT and Other Therapies with Northpoint Recovery
Talk to the professionals at Imagine Fort Collins and Northpoint Colorado to learn how DBT and group therapy can helping your recovery. Our caring and compassionate teams provides effective addiction and mental health treatment for long-term sobriety. Contact us online or call 970.762.2353 to find out how we can help you or your loved one.