Dialectical Thinking as a Treatment Process in Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• The role of dichotomous thinking in client problem presentations is highlighted. • Dialectical thinking is described in detail. • Observing thinking and thoughts is typically a first step. • How perspective-taking is enhanced by dialectical thinking. • How dialectical thinking helps to depolarize conflict. Dialectical thinking is a set of attention and thinking strategies, or approaches, to reducing automatic negative thinking, dichotomous thinking, polarizing, and concomitant negative emotions, emotion dysregulation, and impulsive and other problematic behaviors. Examples of dichotomous and/or polarized thinking are provided along with descriptions of how dialectical thinking can be used in therapy to create more acceptance, less reactivity, and improved problem solving.