The Circle of Control is a model that represents things we can and cannot control in life. Although it is not an official Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill, it aligns closely with DBT principles — especially when it comes to helping clients cope with distressing situations.
These Circle Of Control Situation Worksheets serve as a therapeutic exercise for clients who struggle with feelings of stress and anxiety. Page 1 asks clients to identify a negative experience and then write down or draw the things they can and can’t control. On page 2, they can elaborate on their feelings and brainstorm steps to reduce their stress levels.
Using these activity worksheets encourages kids and teens who feel overwhelmed to reflect, which allows them to gain more self-awareness and cope better. For those who need a visual representation of the Circle of Control, we recommend downloading our Circle of Control Handout or Things I Cannot Control Poster.
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References:
- Nagabharana, T. K., Joseph, S., Rizwana, A., Krishna, M., Barker, M., Fall, C., Kumaran, K., & Krishnaveni, G. V. (2021). What stresses adolescents? A qualitative study on perceptions of stress, stressors and coping mechanisms among urban adolescents in India. Wellcome open research, 6, 106. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16818.1
