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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details).interpersonal effectiveness Handout 16c  
identifying Dialectics
for each group, check the most dialectical response.
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1a. Pay attention to your effect on others.
1B. Assume that others’ reactions to you 
are unrelated to your treatment of them.•
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•5a. Examine a difficult relationship by 
looking at how the interactions over time between you and the other 
person may be problematic.
5B. Assume that difficulties in a relationship are caused completely by 
you or by the other person.
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•Saying:
2a. “I know I am right about this.”
2B. “I can see your point of view, even 
though I do not agree with it.”
2c. “The way you are thinking doesn’t make any sense.”•