Take a Bite of Radical Acceptance (Part 1)

In this episode of the Wise Mind DBT Podcast, Raich and Maddy explore one of the most powerful and most difficult DBT skill: Radical Acceptance, also known by them as “the shit sandwich skill.”

Radical acceptance is all about fully accepting reality as it is, even when it's painful, unfair, or not what we want. It’s a skill that can truly save lives, and yet it often feels like the last thing we want to do in the face of suffering. We break down how radical acceptance fits into Distress Tolerance, and why fighting reality doesn’t change it , it just keeps us stuck.

Through open discussion and personal reflection, they share how learning to accept things outside our control has shaped their own lives and practice , both as people and as therapists. Raich opens up about her own journey with radical acceptance and how this skill helped her move through what felt like the depths of hell. Without it, she may have never found a way forward.

This episode is for anyone who feels trapped in pain, resistance, or just can’t stop asking, “Why is this happening?” Radical acceptance isn’t approval or giving up , it’s about letting go of the fight so healing can begin- As Maddy says "drop the rope".

Listen now, send us your feedback, and don’t forget to submit your questions for our upcoming Q&A bonus episode. We love hearing from you!

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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.