Integrating CBT & DBT in Recovery: Enhancing Outcomes for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

This interactive 90 minute CEU training explores how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be integrated to support individuals recovering from mental health and substance use disorders. Participants will learn how CBT helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, while DBT provides practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and reducing impulsive behaviors.

The training highlights how combining these evidence-based approaches can improve emotional regulation, reduce relapse risk, strengthen coping skills, and increase treatment engagement for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Event Schedule

• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch and Networking
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Presentation

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Differentiate the core principles of CBT and DBT.
• Understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence recovery.
• Identify practical CBT interventions for addressing automatic negative thoughts.
• Apply DBT skills to manage cravings, emotional distress, and triggers associated with a return to use.
• Learn strategies for integrating CBT and DBT into treatment planning and recovery support.

Interactive Learning Activity

Participants will engage in the “Backwards Bicycle” exercise, a powerful demonstration of how difficult it can be to change automatic habits and thought patterns. The exercise illustrates the challenge of rewiring long-standing negative beliefs and behaviors, while emphasizing the role of repetitive practice, emotional tolerance, and skill development in creating lasting recovery.

Key Takeaways

• CBT helps clients change unhelpful thinking patterns.
• DBT helps clients manage emotions and tolerate distress.
• Combining both approaches creates a comprehensive recovery framework.
• Lasting change requires practice, persistence, and the development of new cognitive and behavioral skills.
• Recovery is a process of building new pathways, much like learning to ride a bicycle in an entirely new way.

Speakers:

Sandra Knezevic, MHS, CADC, QHMP
Program Director

Sandra has demonstrated passion for program development and clinical expertise. With 11 years of residential treatment experience, Sandra has worked with specialized populations including adolescents, adults, first responders and veterans. Sandra joined Alpharus Health as a clinical supervisor in May, 2024.

Tony Kokalj, LCPC
Clinical Supervisor of Outpatient Services

Tony brings more that 20 years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. As a Clinical Supervisor for Alpharus Health’s outpatient office in Aurora, Illinois, he provides clinical leadership, individual counseling, training, and support to advance high-quality behavioral healthcare.