Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Massachusetts
IT’S NOT “JUST THERAPY.” IT’S A STRATEGIC AND INTENTIONAL TRANSFORMATION.
Counseling and therapeutic services promote personal wellness and lifelong recovery. Through guided internal processing and practical coping skill development, clients are empowered to overcome personal challenges and create for themselves the life they truly wish to lead.
At Refresh Recovery, we’ve seen clients safely navigate mental health and substance use disorders time and time again. Professional counseling and therapy are often the catalysts you need to sustain lasting recovery and personal renewal. Start here.
SELF-ACCEPTANCE IS POSSIBLE. WE CAN HELP.
Do you struggle with the will or desire to carry on? Are you stuck on the cycle of short-term recovery and relapse? Does the thought of living in freedom seem unimaginable and beyond your grasp? If so, we want to show you that a life of self-acceptance and real growth is possible. We believe it’s essential for your personal wellness and recovery.
At Refresh Recovery, we use evidence-based treatment to help our clients overcome mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. It’s time to live life without the weight you’ve carried for far too long. If you seek to improve your overall well-being and learn the skills required for lasting change, you’re in the right place.
WHAT IS DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)?
One of the most effective forms of behavioral health that we use at Refresh Recovery is what’s known as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT. Professor Marsha Linehan originally developed this form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and suicidal tendencies[1].
Since then, psychotherapy professionals have found DBT is also highly effective in treating those with substance use disorders and decreasing the length and severity of relapses[2].
DBT gets its name from the word “dialectic,” meaning the combination of two opposites. With our dialectical behavior therapy program, participants are taught the strength of both change and acceptance.
This practice is broken into four stages:
- Stage 1: Accepting where you are right now while addressing the immediate dangers to your life, such as suicidal tendencies and substance use. This is accomplished through consistent therapy sessions where you’re taught skills to control harmful behaviors.
- Stage 2: Known as “Quiet Desperation,” this is the stage where the immediate danger is under control, but you’re still dealing with overwhelming emotions. Therapy is focused on how to manage those feelings and replace negative thought patterns.
- Stage 3: You’ve moved past the stages of trauma and are now able to focus on setting goals for the future and mending relationships and self-esteem.
- Stage 4: This is the final stage of recovery where you achieve true completion and joy and can focus on your spirituality and finding deeper meaning in life.
In each stage of DBT, you are accepting parts of your life and personality while also recognizing the need to change unhealthy or unfulfilling aspects. We believe this is what makes DBT so successful for those dealing with complex and life-altering disorders.
WHO IS DBT FOR?
As mentioned before, DBT was originally designed to help patients who were struggling with multiple-personality disorder and suicidal tendencies. However, once clinicians started to see success in those areas, they began to transfer those same practices to other mental health issues and achieved similar favorable outcomes for various diagnoses.
Currently, DBT is being successfully used to help individuals navigate difficult life transitions and those struggling with mental health issues such as:
- Bi-Polar Disorder
- Substance Use Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- OCD
- Self-Harm
If you or a loved one are struggling with one or more of these disorders and challenges, or just need additional support to navigate challenging life transitions, reach out today. We can help. You’re In The Right Place.
SAFELY RECOVER WITH DBT THERAPY AT OUR UPSCALE REHAB CENTER IN MASSACHUSETTS
HOW DBT THERAPY WORKS
DBT works by teaching you skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life to change the way you respond to triggers and negative circumstances.
These skills are divided into four modules[3]:
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Emotional Regulation
- Distress Tolerance
Two skills focus on the “change” value of DBT (interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation), while the other two (mindfulness and distress tolerance) focus on acceptance. At Refresh Recovery, our team of LICSWs and clinicians will help you work through each of these modules so you can develop the practical skills required for lasting recovery.
Practical DBT Skills Training
The DBT skills taught at Refresh Recovery help you walk away with healthy coping strategies for the inevitable moments that life will bring your way. Instead of responding to these triggers with former unhealthy mechanisms such as substances or self-harm, you’ll now have a toolbox of strategies to choose from.
Increased Interpersonal Effectiveness
Mindfulness Training
Healthy Distress Tolerance
Consistent Emotional Regulation
Learning
DBT Treatment Options For Substance Use Or Mental Health Recovery
The DBT treatment program at Refresh Recovery utilizes various formats of therapy, allowing our clients to work directly with our providers through individual and group sessions in multiple outpatient options. We offer flexible programs so you can get the help you need while continuing your normal routine as much as possible.
Options include our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), our day program operating from 9 am – 3 pm daily, and our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), offered throughout the day and evening to work with your schedule
Learning
Average DBT Timeline
Every person entering the doors at Refresh Recovery is unique, that’s why our clinical staff will conduct a thorough survey with you before determining the length and intensity of your treatment program. While we don’t like to set a timeline for a typical program length, we do want you to know that we’re committed to helping you every step of the way from the start of your recovery onward. We believe that true recovery is a lifelong process, and that’s how long we’ll be there for you.
DBT THERAPY VS. CBT THERAPY: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
At Refresh Recovery, we believe both therapy forms are beneficial, and therefore we use both in our treatment programs. The particular form of therapy that would be most beneficial will depend on your background and your current situation. Our team will work directly with you to determine the best path for your recovery process.
WHY CHOOSE REFRESH RECOVERY
INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS
FOUNDATIONAL SUPPORT FOR LIFELONG RECOVERY
TREATMENT FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF DISORDERS
MORE THAN A TREATMENT CENTER: WE’RE YOUR RECOVERY PARTNER
Many of our supportive staff have been right where you are and know the strength it takes to maintain a lasting recovery, and they’re here to help in every step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DBT THERAPY MASSACHUSETTS
Is DBT better than CBT for BPD?
What does DBT involve?
What is the cost of DBT therapy in Massachusetts? Does insurance cover therapy in Massachusetts?
Experience Comprehensive Healing with Our Evidence-Based Therapies at Refresh Recovery
At Refresh Recovery, we offer evidence-based therapies that can help you heal from substance use and mental health issues.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a talk therapy similar to CBT. However, DBT goes a layer deeper and focuses more on client safety and self-acceptance. This process helps establish greater emotional control and equips you to regulate the internal harmful or unhealthy patterns that lead to undesirable behaviors.
MEDICATION-ASSISTED THERAPY (MAT)
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING (MI)
TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT
GROUP THERAPY
Working closely with a group of like-minded and goal-oriented individuals is a critical recovery component. It allows each client to share safely, learn from their peers, and practice their coping skills. Each session is guided by a qualified and experienced moderator.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
At Refresh Recovery, we’re committed to seeing each client as a unique individual. This requires a customized approach to therapeutic interventions for each client.
Through psychotherapy or talk therapy, our goal is to help individuals better understand themselves and how they process experiences and to increase their ability to cope with their internal processes.