Why Is Mindfulness a Good Skill to Learn? Especially in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
When people hear the word mindfulness, they often picture peaceful meditation, deep breathing, or trying to “clear your mind.” But mindfulness is so much more than that. It’s a practical, powerful skill that helps you stay grounded in the present moment—even when life feels chaotic or overwhelming.
In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness is the foundation of everything else we teach. Whether you're working on managing emotions, improving relationships, or building distress tolerance, mindfulness is the skill that allows you to pause, observe, and choose how to respond—rather than react on autopilot.
What Exactly Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment—without judgment. That means:
Noticing what’s happening right now, both inside and around you
Being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations
Responding with curiosity, rather than criticism or avoidance
It’s not about getting rid of thoughts or feelings. It’s about learning to notice them with clarity, so you can respond in ways that align with your values and goals.
Why Mindfulness Matters in DBT
Mindfulness is a core skill in DBT for a reason. Here's how it helps:
Interrupts automatic reactions – When you’re able to pause and observe, you create space to respond intentionally.
Builds emotional awareness – You start to notice your feelings earlier, which helps you manage them more effectively.
Reduces impulsivity – Practicing mindfulness helps you catch urges before you act on them.
Increases focus and clarity – You become more tuned in to what’s really going on, which improves problem-solving and communication.
Promotes acceptance – You learn to sit with what is, rather than fighting or avoiding reality, which reduces suffering over time.
Signs You Might Benefit from Learning Mindfulness
You often feel overwhelmed, distracted, or scattered
You react quickly and intensely to emotions or conflict
You struggle to stay present in conversations or tasks
You get stuck in worry about the future or regret about the past
You feel like life is passing by in a blur
If any of these feel familiar, mindfulness could be a game-changer for you.
How We Teach Mindfulness in DBT
In my DBT Skills Groups, we teach mindfulness in a way that’s simple, practical, and judgment-free. You don’t need to sit cross-legged or meditate for hours. You’ll learn skills like:
Observing what’s happening without getting caught up in it
Describing your experience clearly and non-judgmentally
Participating fully in the moment without self-consciousness
Practicing “Wise Mind”—the balance between emotion and logic
Mindfulness gives you the tools to slow down, check in, and respond to life in ways that are calm, clear, and grounded.
Because the truth is: you already have everything you need inside you. Mindfulness just helps you find it.
By Dr. Michelle Beukes-King
