Relating to a therapeutic approach that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change, teaching skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder but now used for various conditions.
From Greek 'dialektikos' meaning 'skilled in debate,' referring to the philosophical method of examining opposing ideas to find truth. In therapy, it refers to balancing seemingly opposite concepts like acceptance and change.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was created by psychologist Marsha Linehan, who courageously revealed that she developed it partly from her own experience with severe mental illness and suicidal behavior. The 'dialectical' part means learning to hold two seemingly opposite truths at once - like 'I accept myself as I am AND I want to change' - which is incredibly powerful for people who see the world in black and white.
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