9 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Activities for Adults

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that was initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT has since been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. DBT is a skills-based therapy that involves learning specific skills to help individuals regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and improve their relationships. In this article, we will explore 9 DBT activities that can be helpful for adults.


Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a critical component of DBT and involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness meditation can be helpful for adults who struggle with anxiety or stress. Mindfulness can help individuals learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without reacting to them. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with a history of trauma or emotional dysregulation. Mindfulness meditation can be practiced alone or with a group.


Emotion Regulation Worksheets

Emotion regulation worksheets can be a helpful tool for adults who struggle with emotional dysregulation. Emotion regulation worksheets can help individuals identify triggers and develop strategies to manage emotions. Worksheets may include exercises such as identifying triggers, tracking emotions, and practicing mindfulness.


Dialectical Journaling

Dialectical journaling involves writing down both sides of a situation or thought. This can help individuals develop a more balanced perspective on a situation. Dialectical journaling can be helpful for individuals who struggle with negative thinking patterns or black-and-white thinking.


Coping Skill Cards

Coping skill cards contain coping strategies that can be used to manage stress or anxiety. Coping skill cards can be a helpful tool for individuals who struggle with stress or anxiety. Coping skill cards can be created by the individual or provided by a therapist.


Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude journaling can be a helpful tool for individuals who struggle with depression or negative thinking patterns. Gratitude journaling involves writing down things that you are grateful for. This can help individuals focus on the positive aspects of their life and develop a more positive outlook.


Interpersonal Effectiveness Role-Playing

Interpersonal effectiveness role-playing involves practicing communication skills in a safe environment. This can help individuals develop the skills to communicate effectively in real-life situations. Interpersonal effectiveness role-playing can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with social anxiety or relationship issues.


Imagery Rescripting

Imagery rescripting can be helpful for individuals with a history of trauma or negative self-talk. Imagery rescripting involves revisiting traumatic memories and reframing them in a more positive light. This can help individuals process their trauma and develop a more positive self-image.


Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves paying attention to the sensations of eating without judgment. Mindful eating can help individuals develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Mindful eating can be a helpful tool for individuals who struggle with disordered eating or body image issues.


Distress Tolerance Worksheets

Distress tolerance worksheets can be a helpful tool for individuals who struggle with distressing emotions. Distress tolerance worksheets can help individuals identify their triggers and develop strategies to manage their distress. Worksheets may include exercises such as distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance.


Final Thoughts

DBT activities can be a helpful tool for adults who struggle with emotional dysregulation, stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. DBT activities involve learning specific skills to help individuals regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and improve their relationships. DBT activities may include mindfulness meditation, emotion regulation worksheets, dialectical journaling, coping skill cards, gratitude journaling, interpersonal effectiveness role-playing, imagery rescript, mindful eating, and distress tolerance worksheets. By incorporating these DBT activities, you can regulate emotions, cope with stress and improve relationships with those around you.


Grouport Offers Online DBT Skills Groups

Are you seeking an effective way to manage anxiety and reduce emotional suffering? Join our Grouport DBT series by Grouport Therapy and learn new skills to help you live a more fulfilling life.


By joining our DBT skills group, you can improve relationships, manage anxiety, and reduce emotional suffering, regaining hope for the future.

We also have groups for a variety of other topics including anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, and trauma and PTSD, among many others. You can explore a wide range of group topics and options here. Sign up for one of our groups today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change.

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