The Wise Mind

In the realm of mental health, understanding the different states of mind can be super helpful when it comes to finding emotional balance and making decisions that serve us well. One approach that really digs into this idea is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which focuses on recognising and shifting between three states: emotion mind, reason mind, and wise mind.

Emotion Mind

Ever had a moment when your feelings just completely took over? That’s what it’s like to be in emotion mind—where emotions rule the show, often leading to impulsive reactions or decisions that we might regret later. It’s like getting caught in a wave of feelings that makes it hard to see the bigger picture.

For example, imagine getting tough feedback at work. In emotion mind, you might fire back defensively without thinking, rather than taking a step back to process what’s being said.

Reason Mind

On the other side, there’s reason mind, which is all about logic, facts, and rational thinking. In this state, emotions get pushed to the side so you can focus on problem-solving and analysing situations clearly.

Let’s say you’re making a big financial decision. In reason mind, you’d lay out all the options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the most logical path forward—without letting emotions influence your choice too much.

Wise Mind

The sweet spot, though, is what DBT calls wise mind. This is where emotion and reason come together in a balanced way. In wise mind, you can acknowledge and validate your feelings, but also bring in that rational thinking to make sound decisions.

Picture this: you’re in an argument with someone you care about. Instead of flying off the handle (emotion mind) or shutting down and becoming overly logical (reason mind), wise mind helps you take a breath, consider how you feel and where the other person is coming from, and respond in a way that moves things forward positively.

Finding Your Wise Mind

It’s totally normal to bounce between emotion mind and reason mind—everyone does it. The key is learning to recognise when you’re leaning too far into one or the other and gently steering yourself back to wise mind.

This might mean pausing to take a breath before you react, journalling your thoughts to get some clarity, or using a grounding technique to calm your emotions. Practices like prayer, meditation, or deep breathing can help you stay in tune with both your feelings and your rational side, allowing you to make decisions that are in line with your values and well-being.

The goal isn’t to shut down your emotions or ignore logic—it’s about finding a balance. When we can sit in wise mind, we make better choices, feel more in control, and ultimately, we’re better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs with grace.

I’m still learning this balance myself! It’s a journey, but one that’s definitely worth the effort.

Hopefully, you found this helpful! Feel free to share it if it resonates with you.

Disclaimer: The resources provided on this site are for educational purposes only and are not intended as a replacement for professional therapy, counselling, or medical care. Please consult with a licensed mental health clinician for any personal concerns or questions. In case of a crisis, contact emergency services immediately.