This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong, and get 10% off your first month.
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
Radical acceptance is a skill that can benefit everyone. As Marsha Linnehan, the therapist who popularized the concept of radical suffering once said, ” Rejecting reality turns pain into suffering.”
It’s tough to accept painful situations that are unfair or circumstances that are beyond our control. But acknowledging reality is the key to healing and moving forward. That doesn’t mean you have to condone someone else’s bad behavior or agree to something you don’t want. Acceptance just means you acknowledge the facts.
Key Takeaways:
“Rejecting reality turns pain into suffering.”
“Acceptance doesn’t mean you condone what happened. Instead, it just means that you acknowledge that something happened and you don’t dwell on how unfair it is.”
“Suppressing your feelings doesn’t make them go away. It just delays your healing.”
“Acceptance is part of another type of therapy called dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT for short.”
“The sooner you accept something, the sooner you can address your feelings and take positive action.”
“Acceptance also reduces anxiety, reduces chronic pain, leads to fewer suicidal thoughts, and reduces substance use.”
“Acknowledge that you can still have a good life even when you experience pain.”
“Acceptance is tough, but it’s a skill that can be learned and practiced right away.”
“Acceptance is the key to facing emotional pain head-on and reducing unnecessary suffering.”
0:00 Introduction to the concept of radical acceptance
1:04 Tough situations can happen to anyone
2:36 Acceptance is necessary to move forward
3:09 Acceptance does not mean condoning or inaction
3:42 Avoiding pain creates suffering
5:08 Benefits of radical acceptance: reduces anxiety, pain, and improves well-being
6:31 Radical acceptance is low effort and effective
8:32 Strategies for practicing radical acceptance
10:33 Acknowledge that you can still have a good life
12:03 Encouragement to start practicing radical acceptance
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Email the show – Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong, and get 10% off your first month.
