Referring our patients for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy but what is it?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) teaches us that two things can be true at the same time.

Instead of falling into “either/or” thinking which creates psychological rigidity, DBT helps us move toward “both/and” thinking — allowing for psychological flexibility.

We don’t always have to choose one truth over the other. Sometimes, both can exist together.

💬 Examples of “Both/And” Thinking:

“I’m angry AND I still care about you.”
“I disagree with you AND I still respect you.”
“I’m not good with this AND I can still give it a go.”
“I acknowledge your point of view is true AND I acknowledge mine is true also.”
“I can see your perspective AND at the same time, this is my perspective, so how can we move forward with integrating both perspectives.”

💡 Why It Matters

This way of thinking helps us:

1. Understand our emotions more clearly

2. Communicate more calmly with less cognitive dissonance and inner conflict

3. Build stronger, more balanced relationships with others and ourselves 

🧠 DBT Skills Can Help You: 

1. Manage big emotions
2. Reduce impulsive reactions
3. Improve relationships
4. Build self-acceptance and acceptance of others

DBT is a powerful toolkit for anyone struggling with emotional ups and downs, anxiety, or relationship stress.

By holding two truths, we gain balance, clarity, and compassion — for ourselves and others.