DBT Skills: Wise Mind, Emotional Mind & Reasonable Mind

Summary

This video explores the three states of mind in dialectical behavior therapy: reasonable mind, emotional mind, and wise mind. Reasonable mind is logical and fact-based, while emotional mind is driven by feelings and impulses. Wise mind integrates both perspectives, allowing for informed decision-making. The video provides relatable examples to illustrate how each state influences behavior and offers mindfulness exercises to help viewers access wise mind, fostering deeper self-awareness and better choices. Through understanding these concepts, individuals can navigate their emotions and thoughts more effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wise mind is a state that integrates both reasonable mind and emotional mind.
• 😀 Reasonable mind is logical, fact-based, and often overlooks emotions.
• 😀 Emotional mind is driven by feelings and can lead to impulsive actions.
• 😀 Relying solely on either reasonable or emotional mind can limit decision-making.
• 😀 Wise mind incorporates intuition and gut feelings beyond just analysis.
• 😀 Mindfulness is crucial for accessing wise mind and involves observing thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed.
• 😀 Practicing mindfulness helps quiet the mind, allowing space for intuition to emerge.
• 😀 Exercises like 'stone flake on the lake' can help in accessing wise mind through visualization.
• 😀 Developing wise mind skills takes practice and cannot be forced or hurried.
• 😀 Making space for inner wisdom involves listening to one's self and being patient with the process.

Q & A

What are the three states of mind in DBT?

The three states of mind in DBT are reasonable mind, emotional mind, and wise mind.

How is reasonable mind characterized?

Reasonable mind is cool, rational, and task-focused, governed by facts and logic, while disregarding emotions.

What are the traits of emotional mind?

Emotional mind is mood-dependent, driven by feelings and urges, often leading to impulsive actions.

What defines wise mind?

Wise mind is the synthesis of reasonable and emotional minds, incorporating both logic and intuition.

Why is it important to access wise mind?

Accessing wise mind allows for balanced decision-making that considers both rationality and emotional well-being.

How can mindfulness help in accessing wise mind?

Mindfulness helps by allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed, creating space for intuition.

What is a simple mindfulness exercise to promote wise mind?

A mindfulness of breath exercise involves focusing on breathing to calm the mind and emotions.

What is the 'Stone Flake on the Lake' exercise?

This visualization exercise encourages individuals to imagine themselves as a flake of stone gently sinking in a calm lake, promoting inner peace and insight.

How can one invite wise mind to respond to questions?

One can invite wise mind by asking open-ended questions and listening without forcing answers.

What should one do if they struggle to access wise mind?

If struggling, it’s important to practice mindfulness regularly, as wise mind skills develop over time through experience.