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Understanding Wise Mind

by Marsha Linehan

Wise Mind is one of the first concepts taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), yet clients can find it difficult to grasp. In Understanding Wise Mind, DBT developer Marsha Linehan explores how therapists can help clients recognize this state of mind and access it when making important decisions.

Through everyday examples, this ebook explains the roles of Reasonable Mind and Emotion Mind, and how Wise Mind brings both together. It offers guidance for helping clients notice their own signs of Wise Mind and choose actions that reflect their goals and values.

In this ebook, you’ll explore:

  • How to explain the three states of mind using familiar situations

  • Why both reason and emotion matter, and how either can become unbalanced

  • Ways to help clients distinguish Wise Mind from thoughts and feelings that seem convincing in the moment

  • DBT skills and practices that support access to Wise Mind.

To explore these ideas further, Psychwire’s DBT Skills course offers engaging, and practical training for mental health professionals.

Understanding Wise Mind