CBT and DBT Therapy Services in Pasadena A Detailed Overview

Struggling with mental health challenges or addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Forge Recovery Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you reclaim your life. Two of the most effective therapies we offer are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—proven approaches that help you develop healthier coping skills and lasting change. If you’ve been searching for CBT and DBT therapy near me, we’re here to guide you. In this article, we will explore how these therapies work and how they can support your recovery journey.

Understanding CBT and DBT

At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe in using evidence-based therapies to help individuals struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two of the most effective approaches, each designed to address specific thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and substance use. Understanding the differences and benefits of these therapies can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Rooted in the understanding that our thoughts influence our emotions and actions, CBT helps individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges.

CBT is highly effective because it equips individuals with practical tools they can use daily, helping them recognize distorted thinking, challenge negative beliefs, and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Common Issues Addressed by CBT

CBT is widely used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety Disorders – Helps manage excessive worry, panic attacks, and phobias by challenging irrational fears.

• Depression – Teaches individuals how to break cycles of negative thinking and increase positive activities.

• Substance Use Disorders – Helps people recognize triggers, develop coping strategies, and prevent relapse.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Provides structured ways to process trauma and reduce symptoms.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Guides individuals in resisting compulsions and reframing obsessive thoughts.

By targeting unhelpful thought patterns, CBT empowers individuals to take control of their mental health and make lasting changes in their behavior.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Initially designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted for a wide range of mental health conditions. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals regulate emotions, improve relationships, and develop distress tolerance.

The term dialectical refers to the balance between accepting reality as it is while also working toward positive change—a core principle in DBT.

Key Components of DBT

DBT is structured around four key skill areas:

1. Mindfulness – Helps individuals stay present and aware, reducing impulsivity and emotional reactivity.

2. Distress Tolerance – Provides tools to manage overwhelming emotions and crisis situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.

3. Emotion Regulation – Teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions effectively.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Focuses on improving communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships.

By combining these skills, DBT helps individuals build resilience and gain greater emotional control.

Applications of DBT

While originally designed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is now widely used to treat:

• Emotional Dysregulation – Helps individuals who experience intense mood swings or difficulty managing emotions.

• Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior – Provides coping strategies to reduce self-destructive urges.

• Substance Use Disorders – Teaches mindfulness-based approaches to reduce impulsivity and cravings.

• Eating Disorders – Helps individuals develop healthier relationships with food and body image.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Assists in processing trauma while maintaining emotional stability.

DBT’s structured approach gives individuals the skills needed to handle life’s challenges without resorting to destructive behaviors, making it an invaluable tool in recovery.

Both CBT and DBT are powerful therapies that help individuals break free from destructive patterns and create a healthier, more fulfilling life. At The Forge Recovery Center, we incorporate these therapies into personalized treatment plans, ensuring that each person receives the support and guidance they need for long-term recovery.

Benefits of CBT and DBT in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

At The Forge Recovery Center, we understand that overcoming addiction and mental health challenges requires more than just willpower—it requires the right tools and support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. These therapies not only address the root causes of addiction and emotional distress but also equip individuals with skills to build a healthier, more stable future.

How CBT Helps in Identifying and Changing Negative Thought Patterns

One of the core principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is that our thoughts directly influence our emotions and behaviors. Many individuals struggling with addiction or mental health disorders experience negative thought patterns, such as:

• Self-defeating beliefs – “I’ll never be able to stay sober.”

• Cognitive distortions – “I relapsed once, so I’m a failure.”

• Catastrophic thinking – “If I don’t drink, I won’t be able to handle my problems.”

CBT helps individuals identify and challenge these harmful thoughts by replacing them with healthier, more constructive perspectives. In addiction treatment, this is crucial because negative thinking often leads to self-destructive behaviors such as substance use, isolation, and self-sabotage.

Through structured exercises and practical coping strategies, CBT helps individuals:

• Recognize triggers that lead to substance use or emotional distress.

• Develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings and stress.

• Reframe negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety, depression, and relapse.

• Strengthen problem-solving skills to deal with life’s challenges in a positive way.

By changing the way individuals think, CBT empowers them to take control of their actions and make choices that support their long-term recovery.

The Role of DBT in Teaching Coping Skills to Manage Intense Emotions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been recognized as a highly effective treatment for substance use disorders, emotional dysregulation, and self-destructive behaviors.

One of the biggest challenges in addiction and mental health recovery is learning how to manage intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. Many individuals turn to drugs, alcohol, or self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings like anger, sadness, fear, or shame. DBT provides a structured skill set to help individuals regulate their emotions and make healthier choices.

The four core components of DBT help individuals:

• Mindfulness – Stay present in the moment instead of reacting impulsively.

• Distress Tolerance – Handle stress and cravings without turning to drugs or alcohol.

• Emotion Regulation – Understand and manage intense emotions in a healthy way.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness – Build stronger relationships and set healthy boundaries.

For individuals in addiction recovery, DBT skills are life-changing. Instead of using substances to numb emotions, individuals learn how to sit with discomfort, process emotions, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. This significantly reduces the likelihood of relapse and promotes emotional stability in recovery.

Evidence-Based Outcomes: The Effectiveness of CBT and DBT in Recovery

Both CBT and DBT are scientifically proven to help individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing substance use, preventing relapse, and improving emotional well-being.

CBT for Addiction Treatment:

• Research has shown that CBT significantly reduces substance use by helping individuals develop better coping mechanisms.

• A study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that CBT is particularly effective in preventing relapse among individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

• CBT has also been linked to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and impulsive behavior, making it a crucial tool in long-term recovery.

DBT for Emotional Regulation and Substance Use:

• DBT has been highly effective in reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors, especially in individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

• A study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that individuals who underwent DBT showed significant improvement in emotional stability and reduced substance cravings.

• DBT has also been shown to improve interpersonal relationships and overall mental well-being, which are key factors in sustaining long-term sobriety.

By incorporating CBT and DBT into a personalized treatment plan, individuals in recovery gain the skills, resilience, and confidence they need to maintain a healthier, addiction-free life.

At The Forge Recovery Center, we integrate these evidence-based therapies into our comprehensive treatment programs, ensuring that individuals receive the support, guidance, and tools they need to thrive. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, CBT and DBT offer powerful, life-changing solutions to help you achieve lasting recovery.

CBT and DBT Therapy Services in Pasadena

At The Forge Recovery Center, we are committed to providing evidence-based, personalized treatment to individuals struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. Our CBT and DBT therapy services in Pasadena offer a structured and supportive approach to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and build lasting recovery strategies.

Overview of Available Services

We offer a range of therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, group therapy, or skills training workshops, our compassionate team is here to guide you on your recovery journey.

1. Individual Therapy Sessions

For those who need one-on-one support, we offer individual therapy sessions that focus on CBT and DBT techniques. These sessions provide a personalized approach where our therapists help clients:

• Identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to addiction or mental health struggles.

• Develop emotional regulation skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Build distress tolerance to handle cravings, triggers, and high-risk situations without relapse.

• Practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce impulsive reactions.

Each session is tailored to address specific concerns and empower individuals with tools they can use in everyday life.

2. Group Therapy and Skills Training Workshops

In addition to individual therapy, we provide group therapy and DBT skills training workshops where clients can:

• Learn from others' experiences and build a strong support network.

• Practice interpersonal effectiveness to improve communication and relationships.

• Participate in role-playing exercises to reinforce coping skills in real-life scenarios.

• Receive guided instruction on key DBT skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.

Group therapy is especially beneficial because it provides a sense of community, helping individuals realize they are not alone in their struggles.

3. Integration Into Comprehensive Treatment Plans

At The Forge Recovery Center, CBT and DBT are not standalone treatments—they are fully integrated into our comprehensive recovery programs. We combine these therapies with medical support, holistic wellness activities, and relapse prevention planning to ensure a well-rounded, sustainable approach to healing.

Our multidisciplinary team works together to:

• Develop customized treatment plans based on individual needs.

• Incorporate CBT and DBT into dual diagnosis treatment for those facing both addiction and mental health disorders.

• Provide ongoing support and aftercare to help clients maintain long-term recovery.

Whether you need intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, or long-term therapy, we offer flexible options to support your recovery journey.

Looking for Effective CBT and DBT Therapy? We’re Here to Help

At The Forge Recovery Center, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. Our CBT and DBT therapy services empower you to develop healthier coping skills, break free from destructive patterns, and reclaim your life. If you or a loved one needs support, don’t wait to seek help—recovery is possible, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today and take the first step toward lasting healing and a brighter future.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

March 12, 2025