Worksheet
TIPP Skills: DBT Distress Tolerance
This TIPP skills worksheet introduces four fast-acting DBT distress tolerance skills—Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation—that help clients regulate intense emotions during challenging situations.
How to Use This Worksheet
The TIPP skills worksheet can be used in individual or group therapy to help clients develop distress tolerance skills for managing overwhelming emotions in real time. Therapists can walk clients through the exercises during session or assign the worksheet as a tool for practicing emotional regulation between sessions.
Who It’s For
This worksheet is designed for clients experiencing intense emotional responses, particularly those navigating anxiety, depression, or symptoms related to personality disorders. It’s especially effective for individuals who benefit from structured, DBT distress tolerance interventions. Clients can apply TIPP skills they can apply to challenging situations or moments
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness of early signs of emotional dysregulation
- Improved ability to apply distress tolerance techniques during high-stress moments
- Enhanced confidence in managing stressful situations without resorting to self-harm or avoidance
- Better integration of mindfulness and body-based coping strategies into daily life
Related Topics
References
Links, P. S., & Krawitz, R. (2022). Good psychiatric management and dialectical behavior therapy: A clinician’s guide to integrating treatments for borderline personality disorder. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions About TIPP Skills: DBT Distress Tolerance Resources
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