Validation

Validation

One of the elements that make Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) unique is its emphasis on validation.     Validation can be described as the acceptance of what is.  The common popular comment, “it is what it is” sort of expresses this.  We don’t have to like it, we don’t have to approve of it, we can work to change it but there it is.  DBT’s creator, Marsha Linehan, contrasts DBT’s focus on validation with Cognitive Behavior Therapy’s constant focus on change.  She says that spending most of the time on changing is invalidating to many people.  They can feel that they shouldn’t have their feelings, thoughts or beliefs about what has happened to them.  They can feel that they should be doing better and that their current behavior is bad.  While Dr. Linehan recognizes that change is necessary and important, she stresses that change must be balanced with validation.  DBT’s individual therapy contains structured ways in which validation is used and therapists who have studied DBT are familiar with them.  Skilled DBT therapists are always working to find the balance between validation and change. 

Bill Bonacker