Validation Levels

Linehan's 6 levels of validation. Higher isn't always better — match the level to the moment.

• 1 — Being awake and paying attention
• 2 — Accurate reflection
• 3 — Reading between the lines
• 4 — Validating based on causes / history
• 5 — Validating as reasonable in the moment
• 6 — Radical genuineness (equal to equal)