Acceptance, Radical Acceptance and the AA Acceptance Prayer; Similar Solutions, Different Wrapping

In therapy and recovery circles, the word acceptance gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean—and why does it matter?

Whether you’re sitting in a DBT session, working through a CBT worksheet, or attending a 12-step meeting, you’ll likely encounter some version of this truth: peace begins where resistance ends.

Two powerful expressions of this idea are:

• Radical Acceptance, a core skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• The Acceptance Prayer, often recited in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Though they come from different traditions, they share a common heartbeat: learning to live with reality as it is, not as we wish it were.

Radical Acceptance: The DBT Perspective

Radical Acceptance asks us to stop fighting reality. It’s not about liking or approving of painful circumstances—it’s about acknowledging them fully, without judgment. In DBT, this skill helps clients reduce suffering by letting go of the mental tug-of-war with things they cannot control.

It’s the difference between saying, “This shouldn’t be happening,” and “This is happening—and I can choose how to respond.”

The Serenity Prayer: AA’s Wisdom

The Acceptance Prayer, often paired with the Serenity Prayer, offers similar guidance:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”

In addiction recovery, this prayer becomes a grounding mantra—a reminder that serenity isn’t found in control, but in surrender.

Acceptance in CBT & ACT

In traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), acceptance often shows up through cognitive reframing: helping clients shift their perspective on difficult thoughts or situations. For example, “This thought is distressing, but I don’t have to believe it or act on it.”

But when we talk about CBT Acceptance, we’re often referring to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a “third wave” CBT approach. ACT encourages clients to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate them, while committing to actions that align with their values.

In ACT, the goal isn’t to change the thought—it’s to change the relationship with the thought.

Why This Matters in Therapy

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or life transitions, acceptance can be a game-changer. It doesn’t mean giving up—it means giving in to reality, so you can move forward with clarity and intention.

If you’ve ever whispered, “I can’t change this, but I can change how I meet it,” you’re already practicing acceptance. And that’s brave.

Ready to explore how acceptance can support your healing? I specialize in DBT and CBT based approaches for adults navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Telehealth therapy sessions available across NY, NJ, and FL. I offer telehealth appointments cleints living with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Some of the insurances that I accept are AETNA, Oxford and United Healthcare.

Let’s find peace in what is—and build a life worth living.

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