What is Radical Acceptance?
Accepting something fully, mentally, and emotionally, without judgement. It does not require liking or approving of something. It only means that facts are accepted as reality.
Is this an example of Radical Acceptance? Why or why not?
A student named Jordan was caught using his phone during a test after being told multiple times that phones were not allowed. The teacher confiscated the phone and gave Jordan a detention. Jordan reacted by stating "that's not fair! Everyone else uses their phone sometimes, you're just picking on me. I'm not going to detention, I didn't even cheat!"
No; Jordan would not accept the consequences to his actions, as well as lying about cheating.
What is a Cognitive Distortion?
Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts that influence how you see the world, how you feel, and how you act. These thoughts are unhelpful and detrimental to our mental health.
True or False: Cognitive distortions can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Early childhood experiences, Life stress, Biological factors, Learned patterns of thinking, and Cultural influences
True
You're struggling with understanding a situation, which is impacting your acceptance of it. What coping skill should you utilize?
Talking to your therapist/ a trusted adult
What are two aspects of Radical Acceptance?
Being open-minded and recognizing your control
Is this an example of Radical Acceptance? Why or why not?
a 17 y.o. named Marcus has been in JDC for several days. He's been working hard: following the rules, completing schoolwork, and participating in counseling. At his hearing the judge tells him he's made good progress but needs to show consistent good behavior for a bit longer before being released. Marcus nods and says "I understand, your honor. I'm disappointed, but I know I still have more to prove. I want to show you that I can handle things the right way". Afterward, he tells his counselor, "I was hoping to go home, but I get why they want to make sure I'm ready. I'll just keep pushing".
Yes; Marcus is showing acceptance as well as maturity. Instead of arguing or giving up, he accepts the judge's decision calmly and commits to continuing his positive behavior, showing real growth and accountability.
Seeing things as all good or all bad, and allowing for no middle ground.
All or Nothing Thinking
What is this an example of:
You are typically an A+ student, but you just got a C on our math test, and now you believe you are a bad student.
Filtering or Magnifying/minimizing
After learning your consequences, you begin to have increased anxiety, and your breathing becomes rapid. What coping skill should you use?
Deep Breathing Exercises
We should put our energy towards _____ with the situation, rather than trying to avoid or deny it.
Coping
Is this an example of Radical Acceptance? Why or why not?
A student named Mia tells her classmate, Ava, that she doesn't want to be friends anymore because they keep arguing and need some space. Ava says "you don't mean that! You're just mad right now. I'll just sit with you at lunch anyway." Later, she keeps following Mia around and gets upset when Mia sits with other people, saying "You're being mean for no reason- we're still friends!"
No; she is not respecting Mia's feelings and boundaries. She denies what Mia said and continues to act as if nothing changed.
Reaching a general conclusion based on a single incident.
Overgeneralizing
What is this an example of:
"I went to one support group and I hated it. I don't think support groups are for me".
Overgeneralizing
You just got into a heated argument with your significant other, and they broke up with you. What coping skill(s) should you use?
(Will accept multiple answers with good explanation)
Go for a walk/exercise to clear your head
(talking to a support/therapist)
The interpretation of reality, but not reality itself
Perception
Is this an example of Radical Acceptance? Why or why not?
Alex recently lost his grandfather, who he was very close to. Alex stated "he's not really gone. The doctors just made a mistake. He'll wake up soon". Alex refuses to go to the funeral and keeps an extra place at the dinner table for his grandfather. When family members try and talk about it, Alex gets angry and says, "stop saying he's dead! You don't know anything!"
No; Alex is in denial, and not accepting the reality of the loss. He is holding himself back by continuing to set a spot for him at the table, and even missed out on the funeral.
Focusing on only negatives and filtering out the positives
Filtering or Magnifying/Minimizing
What is this an example of:
"If I am triggered, I will relapse".
Catastrophizing
You have had a lot on your mind with the recent death of a love one. What coping skill should you use?
(Will accept multiple answers with good explanation)
Journaling for emotional release
(listening to music, talking to a support/therapist, praying, attending support groups)
What type of therapy does Radical Acceptance fall under?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT
Is this an example of Radical Acceptance? Why or why not?
Kayla, 16, applied for a job at a local coffee shop that she really wanted. She interviewed but later got an email saying they chose another candidate with more experience. At first, Kayla feels disappointed but says, "I get it. I was nervous in the interview, and I probably could've prepared more". Instead of getting angry or giving up, she emails the manager to thank them for the opportunity and asks if they can keep her in mind for future openings. She also decides to practice interview questions with her school counselor to be ready next time.
Yes; She acknowledges her feelings, takes responsibility for what she can improve, and uses the experience as motivation to grow. This is a strong example of maturity and resilience.
Exaggerating the impact of events and convincing yourself if something goes wrong, it will be intolerable.
Catastrophizing
What is this an example of:
"Nothing good ever happens to me"
All or Nothing Thinking
What are examples of coping skills that provide a spiritual fulfillment?
being out in nature, meditating, listening to music, reading a book, creating art, praying.