Turning the mind is a distress tolerance skill to radically accept the moment when your mind wants to move toward rejecting reality. Negative emotions like anger, resentment, and bitterness start to creep in when you refuse to accept reality. Through this skill, we learn that acceptance is a choice.
The DBT Turning the Mind PDF handout describes the skill and explains the four steps involved, including paying attention to negative emotions, committing to accepting reality, practicing the skill repeatedly, and making a plan.
Learning this DBT skill helps to shift a child or teen’s perspective and have a more adaptive mindset. After using the handout, they can have positive discussions with caring adults on developing a plan to stay committed to change, which may include guided meditations. Parents may also serve as role models for acceptance through their actions.
To support application of this skill, pair this handout with our DBT Turning The Mind Worksheet.
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References:
- Lp, J. E. P. (2015b). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training with Adolescents: A Practical Workbook for Therapists, Teens & Parents. PESI Publishing & Media.
- Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets. Guilford Publications.
