Engaging in activities that bring joy is one of the best ways to distract yourself from distressing situations. Doing pleasant activities promotes short-term relief that leads to reduced stress and better management of emotions. These activities align with accumulating positive emotions short-term, which is part of the ABC emotion regulation skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
The DBT Pleasant Activities Poster provides various pleasant activities that are suitable for clients of all ages. Examples include arts and crafts, meditation, listening to music, playing sports, watching the sunset, and keeping a gratitude journal. These activities can be practiced in individual or group settings.
The poster is intended to inspire kids and teens to experience pleasant events mindfully, which encourages the practice of self-care. Support a child or teen by letting them know that they are free to select and engage in an activity that resonates with them. The poster can be paired with our DBT Pleasant Activities List worksheet.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Ertezaee, B., Asghari, K., Oreizi, H., & Ghasemi, N. (2019). The mediating role of pleasant activities in cognitive behavioral therapy for depressed adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 13(1), 33–39. http://www.behavsci.ir/article_91600_4ebc6992efdbd8757d1d2ae070682451.pdf
- Lewinsohn, P. M., Clarke, G. N., Hops, H., & Andrews, J. A. (1990). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for depressed adolescents. Behavior Therapy, 21(4), 385–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7894(05)80353-3
- Lp, J. E. P. (2015c). 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.
