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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 effect Iv eness Handout 16   (I. E. Worksheets 11–11b)
How to Think and Act Dialectically
 1. T here is always more than one side to anything that exists. Look for both sides.
 Ask Wise Mind: What am I missing? Where is the kernel of truth in the other side?
 Let go of extremes: Change “either-or” to “both-and,” “always” or “never” to 
“sometimes.”
 Balance opposites:  Validate both sides when you disagree, accept reality, and work to 
change.
 Make lemonade out of lemons.
 Embrace confusion: Enter the paradox of yes and no, or true and not true.
 Play devil’s advocate: Argue each side of your own position with equal passion.
 Use metaphors and storytelling to unstick and free the mind.
 Other ways to see all sides of a situation: 
 
 2
.
 B
e aware that you are connected.
 Treat others as you want them to treat you.
 Look for similarities among people instead of differences.
 Notice the physical connections among all things.
 Other ways to stay aware of connections: 
 
 3
.
 Em
brace change.