Meaning of Dialectics
ACCEPTANCE and CHANGE
"Dialectics" is a philosophical term that essentially means two things that seem like opposites can in fact both be true at the same time (Shaller, 2015). Dialectics is also a way of looking at reality (Linehan, 2015). Kress et al. (2021) define dialectics as the art of investigating the relative truth of principles, opinions, and guidelines. This is the theoretical premise or view from which DBT operates. Therefore, DBT relies on the idea that balance exists between acceptance and change (Kress et al.).
For example, in DBT, it is assumed that (1) everyone is doing the best they can, and (2) they also need to try harder, combined with the reality that (3) this really is how life is right now and (4) with change you really do have to try different things and be motivated to go after the life you want: Essentially, DBT it is a giant scale swaying back and forth trying to find this balance (Shaller, 2015).
DBT involves arriving at the truth by examining the argument and resolving the two contradictory beliefs into a rational synthesis in which the opposing concepts work together (Kress et al., 2021). Balancing dialectical dilemmas is a task of therapy. Dialectical dilemmas are behavorial patterns involving both over-regulation and under-regulation of emotional expression that need to be resolved: These dilemmas are recognized in therapy as consistent and common challenges for both borderline and other individuals who fluctuate between each end of the dilemma (Linehan, 2015, Vaughn, 2018).
For example, in DBT, it is assumed that (1) everyone is doing the best they can, and (2) they also need to try harder, combined with the reality that (3) this really is how life is right now and (4) with change you really do have to try different things and be motivated to go after the life you want: Essentially, DBT it is a giant scale swaying back and forth trying to find this balance (Shaller, 2015).
DBT involves arriving at the truth by examining the argument and resolving the two contradictory beliefs into a rational synthesis in which the opposing concepts work together (Kress et al., 2021). Balancing dialectical dilemmas is a task of therapy. Dialectical dilemmas are behavorial patterns involving both over-regulation and under-regulation of emotional expression that need to be resolved: These dilemmas are recognized in therapy as consistent and common challenges for both borderline and other individuals who fluctuate between each end of the dilemma (Linehan, 2015, Vaughn, 2018).
