Chronic pain is one of the most common and complex health challenges worldwide. It affects physical function, mental health, and overall quality of life. Many clients with chronic pain rely on long-term opioid therapy, which can lead to dependence, reduced effectiveness, and increased risk of overdose. Psychological interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), have emerged as promising tools for reducing pain intensity and opioid use while improving emotional coping.
In the ongoing conversation around DBT vs CBT, both therapies offer distinct approaches to pain management. CBT emphasizes changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to pain. DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. This approach makes it especially helpful for clients with trauma histories, mood instability, or difficulty managing stress. New hybrid approaches are now blending the strengths of each therapy to support clients with complex pain and comorbid emotional challenges.