
What does the “dialectical” in DBT mean?
Dialectical means “concerned with opposing forces.” This concept is rooted in the philosophical principle of dialectics, which suggests that everything is composed of opposites and that change occurs through the dialogue between these conflicting forces. The term “dialectical” in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) refers to the concept of bringing together two opposites within therapy. The primary “dialectic,” or pair of opposites, is between change & acceptance: the acceptance of the client as they are & the need for them to change. This means balancing acceptance of the client’s current situation with the push for positive change. Acceptance vs. Change Acceptance-focused therapies emphasize accepting one’s thoughts, feelings, and self as they are, without judgment. The goal isn’t to change these thoughts or feelings but to develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with them. This approach is based on the understanding that struggling against or trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions








