From ancient philosophy to modern psychology, the concept of dialectics has played a significant role in shaping how we perceive and engage with the world around us.
In this article, I’ll delve a little deeper into the concept of dialectics, exploring its origins, its application in therapies like DBT, and how it can enrich our understanding of ourselves and others.
Understanding Dialectics: The Basics
At its core, dialectics is a philosophical method of examining and reconciling opposing viewpoints. Originating from ancient Greek philosophy, dialectics has evolved over time and found its way into various disciplines, including psychology and therapy. Dialectics encourage us to embrace contradictions and seek synthesis, rather than succumbing to black-and-white thinking. By acknowledging the complexities of life, dialectics offer a pathway to deeper understanding and growth.
What is the Dialectic Approach in DBT?
One of the most prominent applications of dialectics in modern psychology is found in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the dialectic approach integrates dialectic principles into its therapeutic approach, emphasising the importance of balance and acceptance.
Through mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, individuals learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity. By embracing the dialectical mindset, DBT offers a path towards healing and self-discovery. One that honours our emotions while teaching us more rational patterns of behaviour.
Core Dialectical Principle of Wise Mind: Balancing Rational and Emotional Mind
One central concept of DBT is the concept of Wise Mind, which represents the integration of Rational Mind and Emotional Mind. In Wise Mind, individuals are able to make decisions that are both logical and emotionally resonant, leading to greater authenticity, efficacy and fulfilment.
By cultivating a Wise Mind perspective, individuals can find balance amidst the chaos of their internal experiences, leading to a more harmonious existence, with fewer harmful behaviours.
Every skill used in DBT needs to be used from a place of Wise Mind. At the same time, there is a dichotomy here. As we tap into an aspect of Wise Mind when we begin the process of noticing that we are too far one way or the other. Just the awareness of our emotional state of mind brings us back to a wiser, more central place.
Examples of Dialectics in DBT
One of the most beautiful (and challenging!) things about DBT is learning to hold two seemingly opposite truths at the same time. That’s what dialectics are all about. And when you live with intense emotions, black-and-white thinking, or a deep desire for clarity and certainty, this skill can feel like trying to balance on a seesaw mid-storm.
But the more you practice, the more you realise that life is made up of contradictions — and learning to soften into that paradox can be incredibly healing.
Here are some real-life dialectical statements I’ve come back to again and again:
I’m doing the best I can and I want to do better.
This was one of the first dialectics I learned in DBT, and it hit me right in the chest. For years, I’d swung between self-blame (“I’m such a mess”) and overcompensation (“I have to fix everything right now”). But this statement helped me hold both truths: I was trying so hard, and there was still space to grow — without shame.
I accept myself and my past experiences and I want to change.
This one’s a game-changer if you’re navigating recovery or emotional healing. It’s easy to feel like self-acceptance means giving up on progress, or that wanting to change means rejecting who you are. But you’re allowed to be both: proud of who you are and invested in your evolution.
I can love someone and set boundaries with them.
This helped me most in relationships that felt emotionally charged or complicated. You can love someone deeply and still say no. You can miss them and still choose space. You can honour your connection and protect your peace.
I can feel the urge to self-destruct and I can choose not to act on it.
This is one I’ve had to come back to in moments of emotional crisis. When pain shows up loud and raw, it’s so tempting to reach for whatever once numbed it — even when I know those behaviours hurt me. DBT taught me that urges are not actions. That I can sit in the discomfort, acknowledge the craving to shut down, lash out, or disappear — and still choose a different path. A safer one. A slower one. A softer one.
This dialectic reminds me that I am not my impulses, and I don’t have to obey every feeling that storms through my system. I can feel it all and still choose to stay.
More Everyday Dialectics
Sometimes, dialectics show up in really small, day-to-day ways. Here are a few more that might resonate:
- I’m scared and I’m showing up anyway.
- I feel angry and I don’t want to hurt anyone.
- I made a mistake and I am still a good person.
- I feel alone and I know I’m not truly isolated.
- I don’t have all the answers and I’m still moving forward.
- I want to be independent and I need support right now.
Eastern Philosophies, Polarities and Dialectics
Interestingly, the principles of dialectics are not limited to Western philosophy alone. In fact, these ideas often originated in Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism, which emphasise the importance of true balance and harmony.
Concepts like Yin and Yang illustrate the interconnectedness of seemingly opposing forces, mirroring the dialectic approach found in Western thought. By exploring the wisdom of both Eastern and Western traditions, we gain a more holistic understanding of dialectics and its relevance in our lives.
Dialectics offer a refreshing alternative. By acknowledging the validity of multiple perspectives, we open ourselves up to deeper connections and richer experiences.
Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, dialectics encourage us to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing paradoxes and ambiguities, we expand our capacity for empathy and understanding both within and without.
10 Polarities & Dialectics Examples Inspired By Eastern Philosophies
There are a few examples of dialectics and polarities here that we can explore through the Yin and Yang lens.
- Masculine & Feminine
- Logic & Emotion
- Light & Dark
- Hot & Cold
- Action & Rest
- Giving & Receiving
- Sun & Moon
- North & South
- Positive & Negative
- Growth & Stability
Masculine & Feminine
From a Yin and Yang perspective, masculine and feminine energies are seen as complementary rather than opposing.
Masculine energy is associated with action, strength, and assertiveness, while feminine energy embodies receptivity, intuition, and nurturing. By embracing both aspects within ourselves at different times, we can achieve a harmonious balance of assertiveness and compassion in our interactions and relationships.
Logic & Emotion
Just like Wise Mind, the interplay between logic and emotion is essential for balanced decision-making and self-awareness. While logic helps us analyse situations objectively, emotion provides valuable insights into our values, desires, and needs. By integrating both logic and emotion, we can make decisions that are both rational and emotionally resonant, leading to greater authenticity and fulfilment.
Light & Dark
The cosmic interplay between light and dark symbolises the duality of existence. Light represents illumination, clarity, and positivity, while darkness signifies mystery, introspection, and potential. By embracing both light and dark aspects of ourselves, we gain a deeper understanding of our inner complexities and cultivate resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Hot & Cold
The dynamic between hot and cold reflects the constant flux of energy in the universe. Hot embodies passion, intensity, and transformation, while cold represents calmness, stability, and preservation. By honouring the balance between hot and cold energies, we navigate through life’s fluctuations with grace and adaptability, embracing change as an inherent aspect of growth.
Action & Rest
The interplay between action and rest highlights the importance of both movement and stillness in achieving balance. Action propels us forward, driving progress and growth, while rest allows for replenishment and integration of experiences.
By honouring the rhythm of action and rest, we sustain our vitality and prevent burnout, fostering sustainable productivity and well-being.
Giving & Receiving
The exchange between giving and receiving forms the foundation of harmonious relationships and interconnectedness. Giving embodies generosity, compassion, and contribution, while receiving entails openness, gratitude, and vulnerability. By balancing giving and receiving in our interactions, we cultivate mutual support and reciprocity, fostering deeper connections and fulfilment.
Sun & Moon
The Sun and Moon symbolise opposing yet complementary aspects of existence. The Sun represents vitality, illumination, and outward expression, while the Moon signifies intuition, introspection, and inner wisdom. By embracing the interplay between the Sun and Moon energies, we honour both our external achievements and internal journey, achieving a sense of wholeness and alignment.
North & South
The polarities of North and South reflect the diversity of perspectives and experiences across different cultures and regions. North symbolises clarity, direction, and ambition, while South embodies warmth, community, and tradition.
By embracing the richness of North and South energies, we broaden our horizons and deepen our appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Positive & Negative
The dichotomy of positive and negative energies illustrates the dynamic interplay of opposites in the universe. Positive energy radiates optimism, growth, and possibility, while negative energy serves as a catalyst for reflection, transformation, and resilience.
By embracing both positive and negative aspects of life, we cultivate a balanced perspective that embraces the full spectrum of human experience, leading to greater wisdom and compassion.
Growth & Stability
Finding the balance between growth and stability requires that we learn to embrace change while honouring our need for grounding and consistency. It involves cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability, as we navigate through the ebb and flow of life’s challenges and opportunities.
In our personal lives, balancing growth and stability means pursuing our dreams and aspirations while also nurturing our well-being and relationships. It involves setting goals and taking action steps towards realising our potential, while also prioritising self-care, boundaries, and a felt sense of self-compassion.
On a societal level, embracing the dialectic interplay between growth and stability can foster sustainable development, innovation, and social cohesion. It requires a holistic approach to progress that values both individual growth and collective well-being, recognizing that true prosperity arises from a harmonious balance between dynamism and equilibrium.
Bridging Dialectics with Mental Health Journaling
As someone who has navigated the complexities of mental health recovery and mental illness, I’ve found solace in the practice of journaling. Through journal prompts and self-reflection, individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions with greater clarity and compassion.
For those undergoing DBT training, journaling can be a powerful tool for reinforcing skills and promoting self-awareness. By integrating dialectic principles into our journaling practice, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our journey towards healing.
By validating and accepting my experiences, I’ve learned to navigate through the ups and downs of BPD with greater resilience and self-compassion. Journal prompts tailored to BPD can provide a lifeline for individuals seeking support and validation in their recovery journey.
Conclusion
From ancient philosophy to modern psychology, the principles of dialectics remind us of the richness and complexity of the human experience.
By embracing contradictions and seeking more synthesis between the black and white, we can cultivate a more compassionate and resilient society. As we continue to explore the depths of dialectics, may we find solace and inspiration in the interconnectedness of all things.
💡 Download 20+ DBT mindfulness journal prompts and templates, plus example entries from my own BPD recovery journey in my 30-page DBT Mindfulness Skills E-Book & Journaling Guide.
Eliza Blooms 
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