“What are you afraid of?”
It’s a question we hear in DBT groups when fear gets in the way of progress. But for many Christians exploring therapy — especially something like DBT, rooted in mindfulness and psychology — the fear might sound like:
“Will this pull me away from God?”
“Is this compatible with my faith?”
Let’s pause. And breathe. Because the truth is, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Christianity are not opposites — they can actually support and strengthen one another in meaningful, powerful ways.
What Is DBT, Really?
DBT is a therapy model developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help people regulate emotions, tolerate distress, build healthy relationships, and live mindfully. It’s particularly helpful for people experiencing intense emotions, including those with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or trauma histories.
The cornerstone of DBT is dialectics: holding two opposing truths at the same time. For example:
“I am doing the best I can” AND “I can do better.”
Sound familiar? Jesus modeled this too:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
AND
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The truth is, both can be true — striving and surrender, effort and grace.
Christian Values Embedded in DBT Skills
Let’s take a closer look at how DBT and Christianity align:
1. Mindfulness
DBT teaches us to be present in the moment without judgment. Christianity calls us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind — it’s about becoming aware. And when rooted in faith, it can become a practice of listening to the Holy Spirit, being present with God, and discerning His voice over the noise.
2. Radical Acceptance
DBT teaches Radical Acceptance: accepting reality as it is, not as we wish it were.
Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Acceptance isn’t giving up — it’s surrendering our will to God and trusting His plan, even when it hurts.
3. Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT gives us tools to set boundaries, ask for what we need, and maintain relationships.
Jesus often spoke truth in love, even when it was uncomfortable (John 8:11, Matthew 21:12). He taught us to be peacemakers — not peacekeepers. DBT helps us develop the courage and skills to do just that.
4. Emotion Regulation & Distress Tolerance
These DBT skills mirror Biblical wisdom:
“Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)
“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials.” (James 1:2-3)
“The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
These skills don’t erase emotions — they teach us how to feel them, regulate them, and act wisely in the midst of them.
What Are You Afraid Of?
If your fear is that DBT will replace your faith, I offer this truth: DBT can be a tool — not a substitute — for your spiritual walk.
It’s a framework to help people who are hurting make sense of overwhelming feelings. It doesn’t claim to be God. But it can help people hear Him more clearly by quieting the storm inside.
If you’re a Christian seeking therapy, or a therapist of faith trying to integrate these approaches, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can honor both.
Final Thought: The Middle Path and the Narrow Road
Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate… But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
DBT speaks of “walking the middle path” — balancing acceptance and change.
Christianity speaks of the “narrow road” — walking in truth and grace.
Maybe they’re not so different.
Both call us to walk with intention. Both ask us to face suffering with courage.
And both invite us into a deeper relationship — with ourselves, with others, and with a loving God.
If you want to book with a therapist who understands this please reach out.
Middle Path Counseling MO 