Radical Acceptance – How Do We Actually Do It?
In this episode of Wise Mind: A DBT Podcast, we take a deep dive into the essential yet often challenging skill of Radical Acceptance. While the concept may sound simple, actually practicing it—especially in the face of pain or situations outside our control—is far from easy. And it’s not a one-time decision. Radical acceptance is a skill we come back to again and again.
We explore how to actually begin practicing acceptance with intention and awareness. This includes introducing three core DBT skills that support the process:
Acceptance Statements, which use language to shift our mind and body
Turning the Mind, the active decision to accept reality (repeatedly)
Half-Smile and Willing Hands, where body posture supports mental and emotional change
Throughout the episode, we highlight the powerful connection between mind and body, and how these practices can gently guide us toward more peace, less resistance, and greater emotional resilience. Whether you're struggling with a current situation or want to strengthen your DBT toolkit, this episode offers practical, grounded strategies for making acceptance a real and ongoing part of your life.
Listen now, send us your feedback, and don’t forget to submit your questions for our upcoming Q&A bonus episode. We love hearing from you!
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Crisis Support
This space may include discussions that bring up strong emotions or difficult topics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone and support is available.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, we encourage you to reach out to:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
13YARN – 13 92 76 (A 24/7 national support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Emergency Services – 000 (if you are in immediate danger)
Acknowledgment of Dr. Marsha M. Linehan and the Origins of DBT
We honor Dr. Marsha M. Linehan— psychologist and professor who created Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
It’s thanks to Dr. Linehan that DBT has become a proven intervention for a range of mental health challenges.
Wise Mind A DBT Podcast gratefully acknowledges that DBT is Dr. Linehan’s work—not ours—and we honor her legacy.
