Mindfulness skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) help clients stay focused on the present instead of getting stuck in their thoughts. While distractions and emotions can make it hard to stay grounded, regular practice allows them to notice their thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed. Over time, this can improve focus, reduce stress, and support thoughtful responses in daily life.
The DBT Mindfulness Skills (PDF) handout introduces techniques that build self-awareness and calmness. It includes DBT skills like Wise Mind Breathing, What and How Skills, and One-Mindful, with clear explanations, visual guides, and examples to make the ideas easier to understand and apply.
Using the mindfulness skills in this handout can help young people respond to life with greater clarity and balance. As they learn to notice their thoughts and feelings, they can also pause before reacting and make thoughtful choices that support their well-being.
Caring adults can model mindfulness through simple actions like pausing to breathe or taking quiet walks, showing young people how small habits can build calm and awareness.
We also offer the What Is Mindfulness in DBT handout for additional information on the topic.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handout.
References:
- Eeles, J., & Walker, D.-M. (2022). Mindfulness as taught in dialectical behaviour therapy: A scoping review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(6), 1843–1853. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2815
- John Lothes, I., Mochrie, K., Wilson, M., & Hakan, R. (2019). The effect of dbt-informed mindfulness skills (what and how skills) and mindfulness-based stress reduction practices on test anxiety in college students: A mixed design study. Current Psychology, 40(6), 2764-2777. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-019-00207-y
