The Use of Dialectics in DBT
The use of dialectics in DBT helps the client to: (1) develop a broader perspective of their problem; (2) learn to look for the dialectic pole; (3) consider more options and possibilities; and (4) get “unstuck” and develop a sense of efficacy and competence (Kress et al., 2021).
For the DBT therapist, it is essential to recognize when they, themselves, also gets stuck in dialectical dilemmas. For instance, when working with suicidal clients, it is critical to recognize and understand that the client can want to both die and live simultaneously (dialectic poles); they are not mutually exclusive. The therapist needs to try to resist getting stuck focusing on one end or the other and balance their approach to help the client avoid suicidal behavior and yet simultaneously pursue a life worth living (Vaughn, 2018).
For the DBT therapist, it is essential to recognize when they, themselves, also gets stuck in dialectical dilemmas. For instance, when working with suicidal clients, it is critical to recognize and understand that the client can want to both die and live simultaneously (dialectic poles); they are not mutually exclusive. The therapist needs to try to resist getting stuck focusing on one end or the other and balance their approach to help the client avoid suicidal behavior and yet simultaneously pursue a life worth living (Vaughn, 2018).
