As an important component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emotion regulation is aimed at helping individuals reduce the intensity of their emotions. Through the use of DBT skills, such as responding in a way that’s opposite to our urges and distraction, we can be more effective in tolerating distress.
The DBT Skills for Model of Emotions handout serves as a helpful guide for clients to apply DBT strategies to manage each part of their emotional experience. For example, to make them feel less vulnerable during difficult situations, they can use the DBT skill PLEASE, which stands for Treat physical ilLness, Eating well, Avoid mood altering substances, Sleep, and Exercise.
Using this handout helps kids and teens practice self-compassion and deal with conflicts in a healthy way. When explaining each DBT skill, keep it simple and use clear examples. You can also use visual aids or resources for them to appreciate how each skill works. For instance, our DBT Opposite Action handout shows them common behaviors resulting from anger and then recommends an opposite action, which could be talking quietly and politely.
This handout pairs well with our DBT Model of Emotions handout to better connect the DBT skills with each step in the emotional process. For further engagement in the skill, our DBT Model of Emotions worksheet is a useful add-on.
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References:
- Fassbinder, E., Schweiger, U., Martius, D., Brand-de Wilde, O., & Arntz, A. (2016). Emotion regulation in schema therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Frontiers in psychology, 7, 1373.
- Mazza, J. J., Dexter-Mazza, E. T., Miller, A. L., Rathus, J. H., & Murphy, H. E. (2016). DBT? skills in schools: Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents Dbt Steps-a. Guilford Publications.
