Radical Acceptance

Overview

• Radical acceptance is a distress tolerance skill.
• Originates from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
• Involves accepting the current situation exactly as it is.

Key Concepts

• Acceptance vs Approval: Accepting a situation doesn’t mean you approve of it or give up.
• Not Passive: It's not passive resignation, but a step towards effective problem-solving.

Importance of Radical Acceptance

• Ben’s Example:
  • Has osteoarthritis, uses a walking stick.
  • Accepts his reality to prevent further suffering.
• Joanne’s Example:
  • In an abusive relationship, rejects reality, leading to continued suffering.

Situations for Radical Acceptance

1. Experiencing Trauma or Pain

   • Accepting a traumatic past is painful but necessary for future change.

2. Distress without Crisis

   • Example: Being late due to a traffic jam, accept and problem-solve.

3. Ineffective Problem-Solving

   • Example: Catching COVID before an important event, accept the reality.

Practicing Radical Acceptance

• Turning the Mind: Choosing to accept, sometimes repeatedly.
• Willing Hands Posture: Unclenching muscles, open hands on lap, pair with a half-smile.

Challenges

• Acceptance involves pain and can be difficult.
• It’s a process that may take time and needs continuous effort.

Conclusion

• Radical acceptance is a process, keep practicing turning your mind towards it.
• Encouragement to engage with the content and explore more resources.

Call to Action

• Comment thoughts about radical acceptance.
• Like the video for more content.
• Subscribe and explore related videos.