My T calls DBT “just CBT on steroids.” I don’t agree

I went to a NAMI group last night, and the leader talked about DBT being a lot better because it teaches radical acceptance, distress tolerance, and more mindfulness. Someone else chimed in and said it also gives homework and that it is a lot t of work, whereas CBT is more talking with a therapist.

My T gives me deep breathing exercises and to practice replacing a negative thought with a positive one. On my difficulties looking at certain people, to look at their foreheads instead.

There have been other suggestions, but mostly she is asking me how I’m doing and she empathizes.

On my spending all my time on the internet to avoid anxiety, she says that is OK it is a coping skill.

On me sleeping in the recliner, same thing, it is a coping skill.

On me talking about stressful work situations, she tells me this is about my childhood, and that’s too upsetting. It throws me off track. It doesn’t help. I don’t want to talk, have today tied to past trauma, and receive empathy. It isn’t helping; I’m getting worse.

I’ve read about CBT; she isn’t helping me reframe the traumas. I don’t know how to do that.

I want to break spending so much time on the internet, and I want to sleep in my bed. I want to be OK to live life with less fear and anxiety.

I do have a new therapist I’m going to try at the end of this month.