Generic DBT Worksheets Don't MatchYour Client's Crisis Moments
Crisis at 2am? They need "text Maria, use ice on wrists" not "use TIPP skills." Generic doesn't cut it.
The Four DBT Skill Modules
What Are DBT Worksheets?
DBT worksheets are structured therapeutic exercises used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients practice skills for managing intense emotions, surviving crisis moments, and building healthier relationships. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s, DBT teaches skills across four modules: Mindfulness (the foundation for present-moment awareness), Distress Tolerance (crisis survival without making things worse), Emotion Regulation (understanding and managing emotions), and Interpersonal Effectiveness (building healthy relationships). While originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT skills are now widely used for eating disorders, substance use, PTSD, depression, self-harm, and any condition involving emotional dysregulation. The Linehan Institute considers personalized skill application essential for real-world effectiveness.
"The personalized crisis plans make such a difference. My clients actually use them because the skills are linked to their specific triggers and support people."
Beta tester
Private Practice
Beta tester rating
Generation time
No signup required
Data retention
Who This Tool is NOT For
We believe in being direct about fit. This tool works best for certain use cases:
- ✗Group practices needing shared worksheet libraries. We generate fresh worksheets per-client. No central template repository for your team.
- ✗Therapists who prefer static template collections. Reframe generates, it doesn't store. If you want 500 pre-made DBT PDFs, a template library is better for you.
- ✗Clinicians who want AI to replace clinical judgment. You review everything. The AI drafts personalized skills, you decide what fits your client's crisis plan.
- ✗Anyone uncomfortable with AI-assisted tools. If you're skeptical of AI in clinical work, we respect that. Try the 10 free worksheets to see if it fits your practice.
The Problem with Generic DBT Worksheets
Standard DBT worksheets teach skills with abstract examples. But when your client is in crisis at 2am, they need specific instructions, not generic templates.
"Template Fatigue"
Generic worksheets say "use TIPP when distressed" without connecting to your client's specific crisis moments. When the urge hits, abstract acronyms don't translate to action.
"Crisis Recall Failure"
In a crisis moment, your client can't remember generic skills. They need "text Maria, then put ice on wrists, then call me" not "practice distress tolerance."
"Missing the Chain"
Generic worksheets don't include pre-identified supports, specific safe people to call, or the exact sequence of coping skills that works for this client.
How Personalization Changes Everything
A personalized DBT worksheet uses your client's specific triggers, their exact coping skills, and the names of their support people. The difference is actionable in crisis.
10 free worksheets. Export as PDF. No signup.
Clinical Applications for DBT Skills Handouts
DBT skills apply across many presentations. Here's where personalization makes the biggest clinical difference.
Crisis & Self-Harm
Distress tolerance skills for clients with self-harm urges or suicidal ideation. Personalized worksheets include their specific triggers and pre-identified safe coping strategies.
Generate free worksheetEmotion Dysregulation
Skills for clients with intense, rapidly shifting emotions. Worksheets help identify emotion cues, use Check the Facts, and practice Opposite Action.
Generate free worksheetRelationship Patterns
Interpersonal effectiveness skills for clients who struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, or relationship conflict. DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST skills personalized to their situations.
Generate free worksheetMindfulness & Grounding
Foundation skills for building awareness and accessing Wise Mind. Helps clients step back from emotional reactivity and make values-based choices.
Generate free worksheetGenerate a Free Personalized DBT Worksheet
From client description to printable PDF in under 60 seconds.
Describe the Crisis Patterns
Share their specific triggers, crisis behaviors, support people, and the DBT skills you want to reinforce. Use their words and include names of safe contacts.
Select Your Module
Choose the DBT module: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, or Interpersonal Effectiveness. Or select a specific skill like TIPP or DEAR MAN.
Generate and Export PDF
Get a personalized DBT worksheet in seconds. Edit if needed. Export as printable PDF for session use or share via secure, encrypted link.
10 free worksheets. Export as PDF. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the DBT worksheets really free?
Yes. You get 10 free worksheets without signup. Generate a personalized DBT worksheet, export to PDF, and use with your client immediately. No credit card required.
What is DBT and what are the four modules?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment developed by Marsha Linehan. The four modules are Mindfulness (foundation), Distress Tolerance (crisis survival), Emotion Regulation (managing emotions), and Interpersonal Effectiveness (relationship skills).
What conditions is DBT used for?
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now used for eating disorders, substance use, PTSD, depression, self-harm, and any condition involving emotional dysregulation.
Do I need DBT certification to use these worksheets?
Many clinicians incorporate DBT skills without full certification. However, treating BPD or complex cases typically requires DBT-specific training. These worksheets support skill-building across various practice contexts.
How is a personalized DBT worksheet different?
Personalized versions use your client's specific triggers, their exact coping skills, and names of their support people. Instead of abstract instructions, they get "text Maria, then use ice on wrists."
Which DBT module should I start with?
Traditional DBT starts with Mindfulness as the foundation. However, many clinicians start with Distress Tolerance for clients in frequent crisis. Consider your client's most pressing needs.
Can I export to PDF?
Yes. Every worksheet can be exported as a printable PDF. The PDF includes your practice branding and is formatted for professional use. Perfect for homework assignments or crisis plans.
Is client information stored?
No. Reframe uses zero-retention architecture. Client descriptions are processed in memory and never stored on our servers. HIPAA-compliant by design, not just policy.
Related DBT Tools
Explore specific DBT skill worksheets for focused practice with your clients.
Wise Mind
Balancing emotion and reason to make values-based decisions.
Learn moreCrisis SkillsDistress Tolerance
Crisis survival skills including TIPP, STOP, and Radical Acceptance.
Learn moreCBTCBT Worksheets
Thought records, cognitive distortions, behavioral activation. Complements DBT for cognitive work.
Learn moreSee How We Compare
Related Worksheets
Explore more personalized therapy worksheet generators
Your Client's Crisis Moments Are Specific. The Worksheet Should Be Too.
Stop giving generic DBT templates. Describe your client's triggers, their support people, their coping skills, and get a crisis plan that actually works at 2am.
Under 60 seconds. Zero data retention. 10 free worksheets, no signup.
Built by a Registered Psychotherapist | Zero Data Retention | HIPAA Compliant | Export as PDF