Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT
Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT are both evidence-based therapeutic approaches with similarities and differences. Let’s explore them. To learn more about Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT in New Jersey, contact our admission office.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT?
Mental health facilities such as True Life Care have qualified mental health professionals. True Life Care mental health professionals help determine the most appropriate treatment approach. We can help you choose the best therapeutic approach to meet your needs.
What Similarities are Between Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT?
Definition of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
What are the Main Goals of DBT?
How Does DBT Help Clients?
DBT is a specialized therapy requiring specific training and expertise. It involves mental health professionals at facilities such as True Life Care. These professionals have experience working with the population suitable for DBT.
Definition of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What are the Goals of CBT?
Key Differences Between DBT and CBT
Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT share some similarities. Yet, they also have distinct differences in their treatment strategies and target populations. Here are some key differences between dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT on Focus and Target Population
CBT is a broader therapeutic approach. It helps to treat various mental health conditions. Some of these conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), and more. It applies to a wider range of populations. CBT is not only designed for individuals with BPD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT on Dialectics and Acceptance
More Key Differences Between DBT and CBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT on Mindfulness
Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT on Emotional Regulation
Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT on Treatment Structure
Mental Health Conditions Impacted by Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT
What Can DBT Help Treat?
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD): At first, DBT was for treating individuals with BPD. But it has shown significant effectiveness in reducing self-destructive behaviors. It also helps to treat emotional dysregulation and improve functioning.
- Self-harm behaviors: DBT helps to reduce self-harm behaviors. Some of these behaviors include self-cutting, burning, and other forms of deliberate self-injury.
- Chronic suicidal ideation: DBT includes specific strategies for managing chronic suicidal thoughts. It promotes the individual’s safety and stability.
- Substance use disorders: DBT helps to treat substance use disorders. It also helps when co-occurring emotional dysregulation or self-harm behaviors occur.
- Eating disorders: DBT is not the primary treatment approach for eating disorders. But it can help manage emotional dysregulation and promote healthier coping mechanisms.
What Can CBT Help Treat?
Some mental health conditions CBT can help include:
- Anxiety disorders: CBT helps treat anxiety disorders. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Depression: CBT is a first-line treatment for depression by focusing on identifying and modifying negative thinking patterns. CBT also reduces negative beliefs and enhances problem-solving and behavioral activation.
- Insomnia and sleep disorders: CBT for insomnia is a specialized form. It targets sleep difficulties by addressing underlying cognitive factors contributing to insomnia.
- Phobias and panic disorders: CBT incorporates exposure therapy. It helps individuals confront and overcome symptoms of specific phobias and panic disorders.
Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Practices in Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT
What Mindfulness and Acceptance Practices are in DBT?
What Mindfulness and Acceptance Practices are in CBT?
Emphasis on Therapeutic Relationship in Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs CBT
Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT both recognize the importance of the therapeutic relationship. They both facilitate positive treatment outcomes. But, DBT places a stronger emphasis on the therapeutic relationship compared to CBT.
The therapeutic relationship in DBT has the following characteristics:
- Therapist consultation team: DBT therapists receive support from a consultation team. This team-based approach ensures that therapists have support and can address their counter-transference. It enhances the therapeutic relationship with clients.
- Support and validation: DBT therapists focus on providing support and validation to clients. They create a non-judgmental and empathetic space for the clients. The space enables the clients to feel understood, heard, and accepted. This validation helps foster security and trust in the therapeutic relationship.
What is the Emphasis on Therapeutic Relationship in CBT?
CBT also recognizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship. But its emphasis is less pronounced than in DBT.
The therapeutic relationship in CBT has the following characteristics:
- Time-limited and goal-oriented: CBT structure is a time-limited treatment with specific treatment goals. The therapeutic relationship in CBT focuses on achieving these goals within a time frame. This goal-oriented nature may influence the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship in CBT.
- Collaborative nature: CBT is on a collaborative approach. Here, the therapist and the client work together. They establish goals and develop treatment plans. It also collaborates to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
Evidence-Based Research Supporting Efficacy of Both Therapies in Treating Different Mental Health Conditions
What Other Studies Show Supporting Efficacy of Both Therapies?
Combining or Integrating DBT and CBT
Combining or integrating DBT and CBT can be a powerful approach. It capitalizes on the strengths of both modalities. This integration is sometimes referred to as CBT-DBT integration.
The following are some of the ways to combine DBT and CBT:
DBT-Informed CBT
DBT Skills Training Within CBT
Stage-Based Approach
Sequential Integration
DBT and CBT interventions are available in separate phases of treatment. For example, DBT may address immediate life-threatening behaviors and enhance emotion regulation skills.
Once individuals have stability, CBT techniques may be present to target specific cognitive distortions.

Benefits of Combining or Integrating DBT and CBT
Combining DBT and CBT can offer several benefits. They leverage the strengths of both modalities. The following are some of the benefits of combining DBT and CBT:
- Relapse prevention: DBT’s focus is on skills training and coping strategies. These strategies can support individuals in maintaining progress and prevent relapse once they have completed the initial phase of treatment. Integrating DBT’s relapse prevention strategies with CBT’s cognitive restructuring will create an aftercare plan to help sustain progress beyond therapy.
- Comprehensive treatment: Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT combine for a comprehensive treatment approach. It addresses various therapeutic targets.
- Targeted symptom reduction: CBT techniques can target specific symptoms associated with disorders, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Incorporating CBT strategies in the early stages of treatment helps to reduce symptoms. It also helps to build skills for long-term emotional regulation provided by DBT.
Treat Your Mental Health Conditions at True Life Care
Reach Out and Begin Healing
At True Life Care Mental Health, we are here to aid your treatment and recovery. Contact us at True Life Care and begin your healing journey today! To learn more about Dialectical behavior therapy vs CBT in New Jersey, contact our admission office.
Resources
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3584580/
- https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1146&context=edpsychpapers
- https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-018-1627-9