Turning the Mind - A DBT Skill

“Turning the Mind” is a key DBT skill that supports the process of Radical Acceptance. When you find yourself struggling to accept reality, “Turning the Mind” helps you shift your perspective. Imagine you’re at a crossroads—one path leads to rejecting reality, while the other guides you toward acceptance. By choosing to “turn the mind” toward acceptance, you begin the journey, though it doesn’t mean you’ve fully accepted the situation. Often, it takes repeated effort to reach true acceptance, especially when dealing with something particularly painful.

The more challenging the situation, the longer it may take to come to terms with it. Minor frustrations, like not getting to watch your favorite movie or being caught in traffic, are often easier to accept. However, life’s tougher moments—missing out on your dream job, facing rejection from a college, or losing a beloved pet—require more time and persistence to accept fully.

To practice “Turning the Mind,” start by observing when you’re not in a place of acceptance. You might feel anger, frustration, or bitterness, and catch yourself thinking things like “This isn’t fair” or “Why me?” The next step is to make an inner commitment to accepting the situation as it is, no matter how hard it feels. After that, keep repeating the process. Every time you face a new decision to either accept or reject reality, turn your mind back toward acceptance.

Finally, it’s important to develop a plan to recognize these moments in the future when you drift away from acceptance. Radical Acceptance is difficult, especially in the face of painful events. Yet, by consistently using “Turning the Mind,” you set yourself on the path toward greater peace and acceptance.