The Synthesis in the Dialectic
Finding the synthesis between identities is important to find the value you bring. It can feel easier to separate our identity as a therapist from our identity as a client. The reality is that when we can hold both identities together, we become stronger as both a therapist and an individual. The synthesis of our identities allows us to deconstruct the "us v. them" mentality that often separates therapists and clients. Through the synthesis, we provide opportunities for ourselves, our teams, and our clients to grow.
Sometimes we can feel tension between our identities. When we identify this dialectic, we can reach a synthesis. Here are some examples of dialectical tension that may arise:
Finding a synthesis can be difficult. Some barriers are:
Worry that lived experience will be misinterpreted as incompetence
Fear of being seen as "too close" to the work
Past team experiences that discouraged openness
Fear of being judged by the DBT community
Internalized stigma about needing treatment
Perfectionism or high standards for “competent therapists”