DBT SIX LEVELS OF VALIDATION When a person confides in you, don't assume they are looking for advice

or problem-solving unless they specifically ask for it. Rather, they are looking for validation. Validation means understanding the world from the other person's perspective, and communicating how that person's perspective makes sense to you. Seeking out and finding what is valid in the other person's feelings and responses. Levels of Validation 1. Staying Awake Nonverbal cues. Appear interested. Pay attention. Genuine, non-judgmental. Eye-contact, nodding,"Uhhuh." Give prompts - "What then?" "Tell me more," 2. Paraphrasing Rephrase using the client's own words without added interpretation. Summarize coherently. Convey that you understand the essence of what was said. Use accurate reflection - Summarize what the person is sharing, then ask - "Is that right?" Take a nonjudgmental stance toward the person, be matter-of-fact, have an "of course" attitude. Note that you don't have to actually agree with the person about their perceptions. 3. Mind Reading See below the tip of the iceberg. Intuit the client's pain without having been told. Articulate feelings and thoughts that have not been directly expressed. Try to "read" a person's behavior, imagine what they could be feeling, thinking or wishing for. Remember to check for accuracy. It is best to not make assumptions. 4. Based on History Identify historical or biological factors that contributed to the client's current response. ("Since your new boss reminds you of your last one, I can see why you'd be scared to meet with her") 5. Based on Current Normalize behavior in terms of client's present short or long-term goals. ("It seems very normal to be nervous before a job interview - that sure makes sense to me.) Look for the kernel of truth. Find the aspects of the response that are reasonable. The response can be explicit and verbal or implicit and functional. Verbally you acknowledge the situation. Functionally, you offer real help (if you can). For example, the client is shivering. You can acknowledge, It is a little chilly in here. Are you feeling cold? and you can turn up the heat. 6. Radically Genuine Talk in an ordinary manner rather than from a purely professional role. Be spontaneous and natural. Don't patronizeor condescend. Give the person equal status, equal respect. Be genuine with the person about your reactions to them and about yourself. Believe in the other person while seeing their struggles and pain. Pp 399-434 Linehan