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Dialectical Behavior Therapy Philadelphia

Living with intense emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when those emotions lead to impulsive behaviors, strained relationships, or substance use. For many people, emotional pain, difficulty managing stress, or patterns of self-harm and addiction are closely connected. Dialectical behavior therapy Philadelphia offers a structured, evidence-based approach to help individuals build emotional stability while supporting long-term recovery. At MPower Wellness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a core part of our mental health and addiction treatment programs.

Author: Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

1 min read

Date Published: December 26, 2025

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Philadelphia?

Dialectical behavior therapy, often referred to as DBT therapy, is a form of behavior therapy originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. Over time, DBT has proven effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression, and substance abuse.

DBT focuses on balancing acceptance and change. The term dialectical behavior reflects this balance, helping individuals learn to accept their experiences while also developing skills to change behaviors that cause harm. At MPower Wellness, DBT is used to support emotional regulation, reduce relapse risk, and strengthen coping skills essential for addiction recovery.

DBT and Addiction Recovery

Substance use often becomes a way to manage emotional pain, distress, or overwhelming thoughts. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) directly addresses this pattern by helping individuals develop alternatives to substance use when emotions feel unmanageable.

For individuals in addiction treatment, DBT work focuses on:

Reducing impulsive behaviors linked to substance use
Managing cravings and emotional triggers
Building distress tolerance without turning to drugs or alcohol
Strengthening motivation for recovery

By addressing the emotional drivers of substance abuse, DBT supports both short-term stabilization and long-term recovery.

Mental Health Conditions Treated with DBT

At MPower Wellness, DBT is used to treat a range of mental health conditions that often co-occur with addiction, including:

Borderline personality disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder and PTSD symptoms
Anxiety and mood disorders
Eating disorders
Anger management challenges
Patterns of self-harm, self-injury, or self-harming behavior

DBT is especially effective for individuals who experience intense emotions, difficulty managing relationships, or recurring cycles of emotional crisis and substance use.

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Core Components of DBT Skills Training

DBT skills training is a structured part of treatment that helps individuals develop practical tools for daily life. These skills are taught and practiced through individual therapy and group therapy, with support from trained DBT therapists.

Mindfulness Skills

Mindfulness techniques help individuals stay present and aware of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. In addiction recovery, mindfulness supports impulse control, self-compassion, and the ability to pause before reacting.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills focus on surviving emotional crises without worsening the situation. These skills are critical for individuals managing cravings, urges to self-harm, or emotional overwhelm that could lead to relapse.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation skills help individuals understand, manage, and reduce the intensity of their emotions. DBT focuses on building emotional regulation skills that support mental well-being, increase positive emotions, and reduce reliance on substances to cope.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills support healthier communication, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential for building fulfilling relationships and repairing connections often impacted by addiction or emotional dysregulation.

DBT skills at MPower wellness can support dialectical behavior therapy DBT work alongside addiction recovery.

How DBT Is Delivered at MPower Wellness

At MPower Wellness, dialectical behavior therapy in Philadelphia is integrated into our broader treatment model, ensuring personalized, recovery-focused care.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy provides one-on-one support where clients work closely with DBT therapists to apply skills to real-life challenges. Sessions focus on behavior patterns, emotional triggers, and recovery goals, offering personalized guidance and accountability.

Group Therapy and Skills Training

Group therapy offers structured DBT skills training in a supportive environment. Groups allow individuals to practice skills, receive feedback, and reduce isolation while reinforcing recovery-oriented behaviors.

DBT Within Addiction Treatment Programs

DBT is incorporated across levels of care, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient treatment. This integration ensures that DBT skills are reinforced consistently throughout the recovery process.

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Up to 100% of the costs covered by insurance. At MPower Wellness, we accept most insurance plans. Verify your insurance to get information about your coverage.

DBT, Trauma, and Self-Harming Behaviors

Many individuals who benefit from DBT have histories of trauma or engage in self-injury or self-harming behavior as a way to cope with emotional pain. DBT focuses on reducing these behaviors by teaching safer alternatives, promoting radical acceptance, and strengthening emotional resilience.

For individuals with trauma-related symptoms or PTSD, DBT provides stabilization skills that support safety and emotional control, often serving as a foundation for deeper trauma-focused work.

DBT as an Evidence-Based Treatment for Long-Term Growth

Dialectical behavior therapy is widely recognized as an evidence-based treatment supported by research in behavioral tech and mental health fields. DBT focuses not only on reducing harmful behaviors but also on supporting personal growth, improved mental well-being, and more stable relationships.

Through consistent DBT work, individuals learn to manage emotions, reduce negative behavior patterns, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life in recovery.

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Key takeaways

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) balances acceptance and change, offering hope by validating experiences while building skills to modify harmful behaviors.
The Core DBT Skills train individuals in Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness for stable living.
DBT effectively addresses emotional drivers of substance use, reducing impulsive behaviors and building distress tolerance essential for long-term recovery.
As an evidence-based treatment, DBT provides crucial stabilization for intense emotions, trauma symptoms, and self-harming behaviors, promoting resilience.

FAQ: Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT in Philadelphia

Give us a call at (484) 517-3005 if you have any additional questions.

How is DBT therapy different from other behavior therapy approaches?

Dialectical behavior therapy differs from traditional behavior therapy by balancing acceptance and change simultaneously. DBT focuses on validating a person’s experiences while also teaching concrete skills to manage emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and support recovery from substance use and other mental health conditions.

Can DBT help with substance abuse and addiction recovery?

Yes. DBT therapy is widely used in addiction treatment because it helps individuals manage intense emotions and cravings without turning to substances. DBT skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness are especially effective for reducing relapse risk and supporting long-term recovery.

Do I need to have borderline personality disorder to benefit from DBT?

No. While DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it is now used to support people with many mental health conditions, including PTSD, eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. DBT is helpful for anyone who struggles with emotional regulation or impulsive behaviors build distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and personal growth.

How do DBT therapists support skills training?

DBT skills training involves structured learning and practice of interpersonal skills, including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. Skills are typically taught through group therapy and reinforced in individual therapy with trained DBT therapists.

Is dialectical behavior therapy offered as part of addiction treatment at MPower Wellness?

Yes. Dialectical behavior therapy is integrated into MPower Wellness addiction treatment programs across multiple levels of care. DBT work is paired with individual therapy, group therapy, and recovery planning to support both mental health stability and sustained sobriety.

Why Choose MPower Wellness for Dialectical Behavior Therapy Philadelphia?

MPower Wellness offers DBT as part of an integrated approach to mental health and addiction treatment. Our experienced DBT therapists understand the complex relationship between emotional dysregulation and substance use, and we tailor treatment to meet each person’s needs.

Struggling with intense emotions, addiction, or self-destructive behaviors does not define who you are. If you or someone you love is seeking dialectical behavior therapy in Philadelphia as part of addiction recovery or mental health care, MPower Wellness is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our DBT programs, verify insurance, or take the next step toward healing and long-term recovery.

Sources

Chapman, A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: Current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont, Pa.), 3(9), 62–68.

Dimeff, L. A., & Linehan, M. M. (2008). Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abusers. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(2), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1151/ascp084239

Tan, M. Y. L., McConnell, B., & Barlas, J. (2022). Application of dialectical behaviour therapy in treating common psychiatric disorders: Study protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open, 12(9), e058565. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058565

To learn more, give us a call, fill out our free insurance form, or send us an email—whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

Executive Director

Tom DeVitis is a dedicated behavioral health leader and clinical expert with over a decade of experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. As the Executive Director of MPower Wellness, Tom combines his clinical background as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with a passion for educational outreach and advocacy.

Dr. Deepraj Singh

Medical Director

Dr. Deepraj Singh is a board-certified psychiatrist and the Medical Director at MPower Wellness. With a career spanning emergency psychiatry to outpatient and inpatient care, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a passion for medical education to her work. Dr. Singh previously served on the faculty at Drexel University, where she dedicated herself to teaching resident physicians and medical students.

Last updated: January 31, 2026