Theoretical Paper From strategy to process: Validation in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Abstract

Content and FocusThis paper explores how Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) elaborates upon the concept of validation as a strategic intervention and therapeutic stance. It examines the rationale for validating the ‘grain of wisdom’ in every client communication and problematic behaviour and outlines levels of validation articulated by Marsha Linehan and her colleagues before linking them to counselling psychology practice.ConclusionsValidation is consistent with the humanistic underpinnings of counselling psychology that necessitate an appreciation of client phenomenology devoid of pathologising and pejorative assumptions. DBT’s focus on this intervention is illuminating yet conceptualising it as a strategy traversing the ‘acceptancechange’ dialectic might estrange us from validating our clients when attending to more process-oriented issues in therapy.