What is better for Trauma CBT or DBT?

Traumas can be really devastating when they are left unresolved. They can take away the joy from our lives, affect our daily functioning, and impact our emotional well-being. When someone decides to get help through psychotherapy, they might come across two emerging and widely recognized approaches DBT vs CBT, Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Both therapies are great for processing and healing traumatic memories, but it’s important to know the difference between the two. This way you can work with a therapist who can apply the best techniques from one of the therapies and help you heal quicker.

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-supported approach focusing on how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interlinked. It is based on the idea that negative thought patterns and behaviours are the real problems for emotional distress. 

CBT works through those thought patterns one at a time and changes them into positive ones so they no longer cause you distress in the future.

You can also read this article : The role of cbt for depression in emotional wellness.

What is DBT?

DBT is an approach that works on four primary modules, namely mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. It is particularly useful for those who are experiencing overwhelming emotions and self-sabotaging behaviour. to learn more read our pros and cons of dbt therapy.

In general, it is a cognitive behavioural therapy with added mindfulness practices.

Benefits of CBT and DBT

Both approaches have distinct benefits and are found to be effective in treating various health challenges.

CBT has these benefits:

• It provides a clear framework and goals, helping in getting emotionally better by accomplishing those little steps one at a time.
• Helps identify negative thought patterns and shift them to positive ones.
• Teaches problem-solving skills for everyday challenges.
• Effective in managing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Focuses on practical techniques for immediate relief.

DBT, which is a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, provides the following benefits:

• Manages intense emotions and reduces emotional reactivity.
• Helps you build skills to stay mindful and present in the moment.
• Improves interpersonal effectiveness and relationship skills.
• Teaches necessary coping skills to have acceptance.
• Effective in getting rid of suicidal thoughts.
• Also includes both one-on-one therapy sessions and group sessions for skill-building.

What are the main differences between DBT and CBT?

Both CBT and DBT offer valuable approaches to trauma treatment, but they cater to different needs. Let’s compare them in different aspects.

• Focus and Approach

Rewiring your brain to think positively and handle challenging emotions in a better way is the main focus of cognitive behavioural therapy.

On the other hand, DBT focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which is great for those who are struggling with intense emotions or self-sabotaging behaviours. It teaches you how to stay calm and handle stress in a healthy way.

• Treatment Goals

The goal of CBT is to reshape your problematic thoughts, and to do so, it follows a goal-oriented approach. It’s all about practical solutions and learning effective ways to cope.

While DBT treatment helps people towards a more fulfilling life by increasing emotional resilience and improving relationships, It teaches you how to be emotionally strong, have good relationships, and accept yourself while making positive changes.

What should I choose for trauma healing CBT or DBT?

To choose between these two, you have to first identify your symptoms and issues. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety and stress as a result of trauma, then go for CBT.

You can also read this article : how to heal from trauma

Research shows that illnesses like eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with trauma are effectively treated using cognitive behavioural therapy.

However, if you’re experiencing frequent crises, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need support with emotional regulation, DBT might be more suitable.

DBT is also preferred for:

• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma from abuse
• Self-sabotaging behaviour
• Personality disorders

Here’s a quick review

• CBT and DBT are proven therapies that can help you manage mental health issues.
• CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviours, while DBT teaches skills like mindfulness and emotional regulation.
• For trauma healing, consider CBT if you have anxiety-related trauma issues. And opt for the DBT approach if you are experiencing mental health disorders due to constant trauma symptoms.

Professional Help at Art Therapy Guelph

At Art Therapy Guelph, our skilled therapists use a combination of art techniques and traditional therapeutic methods to tailor each session to the individual’s needs.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns, Art Therapy provides effective personalized therapies in a safe and supportive environment, making sure that you heal quickly and learn stress management skills effectively.