On March 24th, I had the honor of serving as a panelist at Achiezer’s Mental Health Networking Event, an inspiring evening created by mental health professionals, for mental health professionals. The event brought together clinicians from across the community to connect, collaborate, and share insights into the work we do every day.
Panel discussion: Acceptance vs. change in therapy
During the panel, I spoke about the delicate and essential balance between acceptance and change—a core concept in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In DBT, acceptance and change are not viewed as opposites to be chosen between, but rather as two equally important forces that coexist. This concept is rooted in the principle of dialectics—the idea that two seemingly contradictory truths can both be valid at the same time.
I shared how we weave acceptance strategies, such as mindfulness, radical acceptance, and validation, into treatment while simultaneously using change strategies like cognitive modification, exposure, contingency management, and DBT skills training. It’s this nuanced and integrative approach that allows DBT to help clients move forward while honoring where they are.
This event was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on these powerful concepts alongside thoughtful, dedicated colleagues. I’m grateful to Achiezer for hosting such a meaningful evening and for continuing to foster connection and professional growth in the mental health community.
Watch a clip from my talk below.
Interested in learning more about how I integrate DBT into my work with clients? Feel free to contact me or explore more about my approach to therapy on this site.
