Worksheet
Mindfulness & DBT: “What” and “How” Skills
This DBT Mindfulness Worksheet introduces clients to foundational mindfulness skills taught in dialectical behavior therapy, including the “What” and “How” techniques. By learning to observe, describe, and engage with the present moment, clients can begin practicing mindfulness to improve emotional regulation and manage anxiety.
How to Use This Worksheet
This worksheet helps clients develop core mindfulness skills by focusing on the “What” (Observe, Describe, Participate) and the “How” (Nonjudgmentally, One-Mindfully, Effectively) techniques from DBT. Therapists can use it during sessions to model each skill or assign it as between-session mindfulness practice.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is appropriate for clients learning DBT skills or working to strengthen mindfulness-based emotional regulation. It’s especially helpful for clients managing anxiety, depression, substance use, or emotion dysregulation, and can be adapted for both individual and group therapy.
Expected Outcomes
- Greater awareness of the present moment through direct mindfulness practice
- Increased ability to observe, describe, and engage with thoughts and emotions
- Reduced emotional reactivity and improved distress tolerance
- Stronger connection to the body and better recognition of internal judgments
Related Topics
References
Eeles, J., & Walker, D. (2022). Mindfulness as taught in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A scoping review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(6), 1843–1853. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2764
Frequently Asked Questions About Mindfulness & DBT: “What” and “How” Skills Resources
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