Mindfulness in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Part 1. Core principles, goals, and practical tools

Core principles, goals, and practical tools.

Mindfulness is the foundation of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It teaches us how to slow down, notice what is happening inside and around us, and respond with intention rather than impulse. In this first part of the series, we explore the heart of DBT mindfulness: the principles that guide it, the goals it supports, and the simple tools that make it usable in everyday life.
This section is not about perfection or forcing calm. It’s about learning how to gently return to the present moment, even when emotions feel overwhelming or the mind is busy. Mindfulness in DBT helps us build awareness, reduce reactivity, and create space between what we feel and what we choose to do next.

Here, we’ll examine the “what” and “how” skills of mindfulness, their significance, and how they can support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships. These practices are small, practical, and deeply human, designed to meet people where they are, with compassion and clarity.
This is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels safe, grounded, and doable.