A Guide to CBT and DBT Therapy Services in Long Beach

Mental health challenges, addiction, and substance use can make daily life feel difficult, but support is available. In Long Beach, many people turn to evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT therapy to improve their well-being and regain a sense of balance. At The Forge Recovery Center, we prioritize personalized care to help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and addiction. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, finding the right support is essential for lasting recovery. In this article, we will explore how CBT and DBT work, their benefits, and how to choose the best therapy services in Long Beach.

Understanding CBT and DBT

When searching for CBT and DBT therapy near Long Beach, it’s essential to understand how these therapies work and their unique benefits. Both are evidence-based approaches that help individuals struggling with mental health disorders, addiction, and substance abuse. However, they differ in their focus and techniques.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used, goal-oriented therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the principle that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected—by modifying distorted thinking, people can create healthier emotional and behavioral responses.

Core Principles of CBT:

• Identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts.

• Learning coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers.

• Developing problem-solving skills to handle difficult situations.

• Setting achievable goals for personal and emotional growth.

Common Issues Addressed by CBT:

• Anxiety Disorders: Helps individuals recognize irrational fears and develop coping mechanisms.

• Depression: Focuses on shifting negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of hopelessness.

• Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assists in identifying triggers and creating healthier coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

CBT is often structured, short-term, and practical, making it a preferred therapy for individuals looking for actionable strategies to improve their mental health.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT was originally developed as an extension of CBT to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and those struggling with self-destructive behaviors. Over time, it has proven effective for various mental health and addiction-related challenges.

How DBT Differs From CBT:

While CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, DBT integrates acceptance and change strategies. It teaches individuals to acknowledge and validate their emotions while working towards healthier ways of coping.

Key Focus Areas of DBT:

• Emotional Regulation: Helps individuals manage intense emotions and reduce impulsivity.

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Effective in stabilizing mood swings, improving relationships, and preventing self-harm.

• Self-Destructive Behaviors: Supports individuals in overcoming harmful coping mechanisms such as self-harm, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts.

Core Components of DBT:

1. Mindfulness: Encourages individuals to stay present and aware of their emotions without judgment.

2. Distress Tolerance: Provides techniques to manage crises without resorting to harmful behaviors.

3. Emotion Regulation: Helps individuals understand, control, and express emotions in healthier ways.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Teaches skills for improving relationships and setting boundaries.

DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with intense emotional responses and need structured support to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Both CBT and DBT therapy can be life-changing for those dealing with mental health conditions and addiction. Understanding these therapies can help you determine which approach best suits your needs.

CBT and DBT in Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addiction and substance abuse often stem from deep-seated thought patterns, emotional distress, and coping mechanisms that no longer serve an individual’s well-being. CBT and DBT therapy are two of the most effective approaches in addressing these challenges, helping individuals regain control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

How CBT Helps in Overcoming Substance Use

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) plays a crucial role in addiction recovery by identifying and reshaping the negative thought patterns that contribute to substance use. Addiction is often reinforced by automatic thoughts like:

• “I need this to feel normal.”

• “I can’t handle stress without using.”

• “One more time won’t hurt.”

CBT helps individuals recognize these destructive thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more constructive beliefs. This shift in thinking leads to changes in behavior, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

CBT Techniques for Addiction Recovery:

• Identifying Triggers: Recognizing situations, emotions, or people that lead to substance use.

• Developing Coping Strategies: Learning healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and cravings without resorting to drugs or alcohol.

• Challenging Automatic Thoughts: Replacing negative, self-defeating thoughts with rational, positive alternatives.

• Building Problem-Solving Skills: Strengthening decision-making abilities to handle high-risk situations effectively.

By focusing on thought patterns and behavior modification, CBT helps individuals regain control over their actions, empowering them to make healthier choices in recovery.

The Role of DBT in Managing Emotions and Preventing Self-Destructive Behaviors

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or self-destructive behaviors associated with addiction. Many people turn to substances as a way to numb emotional pain, regulate mood swings, or cope with overwhelming distress. DBT provides skills to address these underlying issues, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

DBT Techniques for Addiction and Recovery:

1. Mindfulness: Encourages awareness of cravings and emotions without acting on them impulsively.

2. Distress Tolerance: Teaches individuals how to cope with difficult situations without resorting to substance use.

3. Emotion Regulation: Helps individuals manage intense feelings in a healthy way, reducing the urge to self-medicate.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improves communication and relationship skills, fostering a support system for recovery.

DBT is especially effective for individuals who experience extreme emotional highs and lows, as well as those with a history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. By focusing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance, DBT helps prevent relapse by addressing the emotional triggers that often lead to substance use.

Both CBT and DBT therapy offer valuable tools for addiction recovery, helping individuals break free from harmful cycles and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Finding the Right Therapy Services in Long Beach

Choosing the right therapy provider is a crucial step in your mental health and addiction recovery journey. With many options available, it’s important to find a provider that aligns with your needs and offers evidence-based care. If you're searching for CBT and DBT therapy near me, consider the following factors when selecting a therapy service in Long Beach.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapy Provider

1. Credentials and Experience of Therapists

   • Look for licensed and certified mental health professionals with expertise in CBT and DBT therapy.

   • Ensure the provider specializes in treating addiction, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders.

   • Experience in handling complex cases, such as trauma-related addiction, can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

2. Range of Services Offered

   • A comprehensive therapy center should provide both CBT and DBT, along with other treatment modalities to support long-term recovery.

   • Services like individual therapy, group sessions, family counseling, and holistic therapies enhance the healing process.

   • Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for those dealing with both addiction and mental health disorders.

3. Compatibility with Patient Needs

   • Every individual’s recovery journey is unique. A good therapy provider should offer personalized treatment plans based on specific challenges, triggers, and goals.

   • Consider factors like session frequency, in-person vs. virtual therapy options, and flexibility in scheduling.

   • The right provider should foster a non-judgmental and supportive environment, making it easier to open up and commit to treatment.

How The Forge Recovery Center Meets These Criteria

At The Forge Recovery Center, we prioritize high-quality, personalized care for individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, and substance abuse. Here’s why we stand out:

• Expert Team: Our licensed therapists specialize in CBT and DBT therapy for addiction recovery and mental health treatment.

• Comprehensive Services: We offer individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and holistic therapies to support long-term healing.

• Personalized Approach: Every treatment plan is tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

• Supportive Environment: We provide a compassionate space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make lasting changes.

If you're looking for CBT and DBT therapy in Long Beach, The Forge Recovery Center offers the expertise, support, and treatment programs needed to help you or your loved one take the next step toward recovery.

What to Expect From Therapy Sessions

If you're considering CBT and DBT therapy near Long Beach, understanding how these therapy sessions are structured can help set the right expectations. Both approaches are evidence-based and effective, but they differ in format, techniques, and the level of commitment required.

Structure of CBT Sessions: Goal-Oriented and Time-Limited

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is structured, problem-focused, and designed to be short-term, typically lasting between 12 to 20 sessions, depending on individual needs.

What to Expect in CBT Sessions:

• Initial Assessment: The first session involves identifying challenges, setting specific therapy goals, and discussing triggers and thought patterns.

• Weekly Sessions: Each session follows a structured format where individuals work on recognizing and reshaping negative thoughts and behaviors.

• Homework Assignments: Patients may be given exercises, such as journaling or practicing coping strategies, to reinforce progress between sessions.

• Progress Tracking: CBT is data-driven, meaning therapists and patients regularly evaluate progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Because CBT is highly focused on practical solutions, it works well for individuals who want clear, actionable steps to manage anxiety, depression, and addiction-related thoughts.

Structure of DBT Sessions: A Blend of Individual and Group Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a more intensive, long-term therapy designed for individuals dealing with emotion regulation issues, self-destructive behaviors, and addiction. Unlike CBT, DBT incorporates both individual therapy and group skills training to provide a comprehensive approach to emotional well-being.

What to Expect in DBT Sessions:

• Individual Therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions help patients work on personal challenges, emotional regulation, and crisis management.

• Group Skills Training: Patients participate in structured group sessions where they learn DBT’s core skills, including:

  • Mindfulness: Staying present and aware of emotions.

  • Distress Tolerance: Managing crisis situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.

  • Emotion Regulation: Developing techniques to handle overwhelming emotions.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learning to communicate needs and set boundaries in relationships.

• Phone Coaching: Some DBT programs offer real-time support outside of sessions to help individuals apply learned skills in daily life.

Because DBT requires a strong commitment to self-improvement, it is particularly effective for those dealing with substance abuse, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and intense emotional struggles.

Commitment Required for Successful Outcomes

Whether choosing CBT or DBT, patient commitment is essential for achieving meaningful progress. Therapy is not a passive process—it requires:

• Active participation in sessions and willingness to discuss personal challenges.

• Practicing learned techniques outside of therapy, whether through journaling, mindfulness, or behavioral exercises.

• Openness to change and self-reflection, as real progress comes from implementing new coping strategies in daily life.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we guide individuals through both CBT and DBT therapy in Long Beach, providing a structured and supportive environment for healing. By committing to the process, patients can gain valuable tools to navigate life’s challenges and build a healthier, addiction-free future.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

March 12, 2025