Validation in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) means acknowledging another person’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences. There are six levels of validation, and the purpose of these different levels is to allow others to feel understood no matter what they’re going through or how they present themselves.
The DBT 6 Levels of Validation handout starts by explaining the purpose of the handout. It features a pyramid representing each level and suggests how to put each level into practice. For example, the lowest level, which is to “Show Interest and Be Present” suggests practicing active listening when interacting with others.
Using this handout helps kids and teens improve their interpersonal interactions by showing that they are accepting and listening non-judgmentally. Caring adults can model validation by giving their undivided attention when their child communicates their concerns in school and other areas of their lives.
This handout pairs well with our 6 Levels Of Validation Worksheet, which provides an opportunity to practice each of the 6 levels of validation techniques.
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References:
- Carson-Wong, A., Hughes, C. D., & Rizvi, S. L. (2018). The effect of therapist use of validation strategies on change in client emotion in individual dbt treatment sessions. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 9(2), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000229
