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Understanding Dialectics Through Metaphors
At TheraHive, we’re always looking for ways to make DBT skills more practical and relatable. Dialectics—the ability to hold two opposite truths at once—is one of the foundations of DBT, but it can feel abstract at first. That’s why we’re excited to share a talk by TheraHive co-founder Dr. Jesse Finkelstein and Dr. Andrea Gold, hosted by the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD). They use vivid metaphors to make dialectics easier to understand and apply in everyday life.
Three Metaphors That Bring Dialectics to Life
- The Seesaw: Life is always shifting. Balance comes through movement, not staying stuck.
- Mountain Peaks: Different perspectives can feel like standing on opposite peaks. The key is validating each side before moving forward.
- The Cylinder: Depending on where you look, a cylinder is a square or a circle. Both are true—together they reveal a fuller picture.
Why It Matters
Dialectical thinking helps us:
- Reduce conflict in relationships
- Improve emotional balance
- Validate multiple perspectives without giving up our own truth
Dr. Gold and Jesse also emphasize practicing wise mind, setting flexible limits, and offering validation without reinforcing harmful behaviors.
Growth Through Practice
Dialectics isn’t about finding a “perfect middle.” It’s about patience, curiosity, and self-compassion as we navigate life’s complexity.
Watch the full presentation here:
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