Worksheet
ACCEPTS Skills: DBT Distress Tolerance
This ACCEPTS Skills Worksheet teaches a core distress tolerance strategy to help clients manage intense emotions through healthy distraction. By using the ACCEPTS acronym—Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing Away, Thoughts, and Sensations—clients learn to regulate emotions and reduce distress in the moment.
How to Use This Worksheet
The ACCEPTS Skills worksheet provides a practical way for clients to apply core distress tolerance skills from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in real-time. Therapists can introduce the ACCEPTS acronym during individual or group sessions to help clients distract themselves from distressing emotions without turning to harmful behaviors. This tool can also be assigned between sessions to reinforce skill application during tough moments or emotional crises.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is ideal for clients navigating intense emotions, impulsive urges, or overwhelming situations. It’s especially helpful for individuals working through symptoms related to borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation—whether in DBT-informed therapy or other forms of treatment.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased emotion regulation during distressing situations
- Improved ability to use healthy distraction techniques
- Better understanding of the ACCEPTS acronym and how to apply it
- Greater confidence in managing intense or difficult emotions independently
Related Topics
References
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Skills training manual for treating borderline personality disorder. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCEPTS Skills: DBT Distress Tolerance Resources
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