Mindfulness and DBT assumptions

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) presents a series of assumptions that serve as foundations for their therapeutic approach. An assumption in this context refers to an idea accepted as true without the need for direct empirical validation, which can substantiate beliefs, practices and theories in various contexts to which DBT is applied. These assumptions are applied to both individual clinical practice and skill training and teams of professionals who employ DBT.

One of DBT's main assumptions is the notion that “Discovering and changing the causes of behavior is more effective than judging and blaming” . This idea emphasizes the importance of addressing dysfunctional behaviors without resorting to criticism or blame. As therapists, by identifying behaviors we want to modify, it is common to face a tendency of the mind to throw excessive criticism, judgments and negative interpretations. These thoughts are often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, challenging and self -criticism emotions.

To deal with this kind of thought, I suggest the practice of mindfulness. By cultivating attention at the present moment, we can develop greater awareness of how these patterns of thought influence our clinical practice. This allows us to address dysfunctional behaviors more effectively, promoting positive changes in both ourselves and our patients.

feels in a comfortable, relaxed and willing posture. Close your eyes or keep your gaze at a fixed point. Watch your breath. Observe the air entering and leaving. No need to modify it, just note it.

Bring your mind your behavior as a therapist you judge. Behavior of you as a therapist where criticism or guilt or self -charges are present.

Think of as many details as possible in this behavior. Where are you when it happens… if someone with you is… what moment of your day is happening…

and observe your judging thoughts.

Note what words you use.

Note the sound of these words.

Note the way and way these words take.

and note what's most there with you.

What are the sensations present… Do you observe any emotion?

as the current of a river , note and let it follow its flow. EM>

And now note, just note, the causes for your behavior.

What do you see?

Make a picture of this you observe, an image.

and keep it, take it with you to always notice.

Observing your breath again. Observe the air entering and leaving.

and to finish the practice, make 2 cycles of deep breaths, inspiring and expiring slowly.

What do you observe?

Linehan, M. M. (2018). DBT Skill Training: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Manual for the therapist. Artmed Publisher.

This text is authored by the member of the Cefi Contextus team - Ana Paula Domeneghini