#11: Radical Acceptance

Today, Marielle and Ed discuss the skill of Radical Acceptance. Radical Acceptance is a Distress Tolerance skill that helps you stop fighting reality, however painful that reality is. When you can fully open up and radically accept what is happening in the present moment, suffering decreases.  Show Highlights:  Getting too focused on change can sometimes backfire Radical acceptance is not against change Radical acceptance is different than plain old acceptance Our instinct is often to fight painful things that are happening Radical acceptance is not negating a sense of justice or fairness Denial of reality can keep us from taking steps towards change Acceptance does not equal approval Accepting painful things can be a process The first step in moving forward from painful things is accepting that they did happen Sadness often comes up when we radically accept Pain is a part of life for everyone - it can't be avoided It's a fallacy to think that if you accept things you don't like about yourself you won't change Radical acceptance doesn't mean we don't have preferences We need to radically accept the past If you are practicing Radical Acceptance of something in the future make sure you are only accepting known limitations Willing Hands is a skill that can help you Radically Accept To practice Willing Hands, turn your palms towards the sky and relax your arms When we fight reality, we are often holding a lot of tension in our bodies Links & Resources www.bayareadbtcc.com DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition Ask Us a Question! We'd love to hear from you! Where are you getting stuck with your skills application? Ask us a question for the chance to have it answered on the podcast. Submit your question here.  Please note that questions, and this podcast in general, are not a substitute for individual mental health treatment.