Personal strengths refer to a client’s qualities and characteristics that allow them to become more effective in life. Examples of these strengths include honesty, kindness, thoughtfulness, and trustworthiness. Although personal strengths are not listed as official skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), they’re important in the client’s therapeutic journey.
The Strengths Worksheet For Kids serves as a helpful tool for clients in DBT to identify the strengths that resonate with them. In addition to placing a checkmark next to their strengths, they need to write down their “top 3 strengths.” At the bottom of the worksheet, they’re going to brainstorm steps they can take to further develop 2 strengths.
Putting one’s strengths into action with the help of this tool can benefit kids and teens by serving as a defense against stress. As they fill out the worksheet, remind them to focus on positivity. Help them understand that challenges happen to everyone and that it’s normal for them to not feel as strong in some areas of their lives.
Feel free to pair this worksheet with our DBT Accumulate Positive Emotions Handout or Building Mastery DBT Skill Handout.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Kashdan, T. B., & Hurling, R. (2010). Using personal and psychological strengths leads to increases in well-being over time: A longitudinal study and the development of the strengths use questionnaire. Personality and Individual Differences, 50(1), 15-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.08.004
- Duan, W. (2016). The benefits of personal strengths in mental health of stressed students: A longitudinal investigation. Quality of Life Research, 25(11), 2879–2888. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-016-1320-8
