DBT-ish: Avoidance, Acceptance, and Jumping Off Paper

In this episode of Wise Mind: A DBT Podcast, we dive into that classic frenemy we all know too well: avoidance!

That familiar, protective response that shows up when we’re faced with uncomfortable emotions, memories, sensations, or thoughts. Rather than labeling avoidance as “bad,” we unpack its purpose and how it often tries to keep us safe, even if it limits us in the process.

True to our non-purist DBT style, we bring in some ACT wisdom (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Using the Life ACT Map, we explore how to validate what hurts, spot our avoid-y habits, and take teeny-tiny steps toward the life we actually want.

Spoiler alert: you don’t have to do a huge emotional deep dive. Sometimes the bravest move is a small one, like Raich says, we’re just “jumping off paper” over here. Nothing fancy. Small steps, and dipping toes into the water is all we ask!

We love hearing from you—send us your tiny wins, awkward steps, or avoidance confessions. We also want to hear all your questions ready for our up and coming Q&A episode!

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Resources:

Life ACT Map: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ZpAIdXOFyiJRXsPBdQZmau-S6XPRdJs/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100596603435312017782&rtpof=true&sd=true

Crisis Support

This space may include discussions that bring up strong emotions or difficult topics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone and support is available.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, we encourage you to reach out to:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

13YARN – 13 92 76 (A 24/7 national support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

Emergency Services – 000 (if you are in immediate danger)

Acknowledgment of Dr. Marsha M. Linehan and the Origins of DBT

We honor Dr. Marsha M. Linehan— psychologist and professor who created Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

It’s thanks to Dr. Linehan that DBT has become a proven intervention for a range of mental health challenges.

Wise Mind A DBT Podcast gratefully acknowledges that DBT is Dr. Linehan’s work—not ours—and we honor her legacy.