Acceptance and change Quote by Matthew McKay
““The word dialectic (in dialectical behavior therapy) means to balance and compare two things that appear very different or even contradictory. In dialectical behavior therapy, the balance is between change and acceptance (Linehan, 1993a). You need to change the behaviors in your life that are creating more suffering for yourself and others while simultaneously also accepting yourself the way you are. This might sound contradictory, but it’s a key part of this treatment. Dialectical behavior therapy depends on acceptance and change, not acceptance or change.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Marsha Linehan, 1993
Therapy teaches balancing change with acceptance, despite seeming contradictory, to reduce suffering.
In simple terms: Balancing change and acceptance reduces suffering.
Key Takeaway
Practice both acceptance and change.
Themes
mental health
therapy
acceptance
Mood
hopeful
pragmatic
Type
clinical
self‑help
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- clinical practice
- self‑compassion
Key Concepts
dialectical reasoning
behavioral change
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you accept yourself while pursuing change?
- What situations demand more acceptance than change?
A Different Perspective
Change alone can be overwhelming without acceptance.
