Crisis Pros & Cons
A DBT distress tolerance worksheet with four boxes for the pros and cons of acting on and resisting a crisis urge, ending with a wise-mind reflection.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Distress tolerance
- Approach / concern
- DBT
- Technique
- Distress tolerance
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Crisis Pros & Cons?
Pros and cons is a DBT distress tolerance skill that helps clients evaluate the short- and long-term consequences of acting on crisis urges versus tolerating distress. It’s best completed in advance and reviewed during crises.
Why it works
Considering consequences engages reasoning during emotional crises and reduces impulsive action. Pros and cons is one of the DBT crisis survival skills (Linehan, 2015).
When to use it
- Self-harm or substance use urges
- Impulsive spending or aggression
- Urges to quit treatment or relationships abruptly
- DBT skills groups
How to use it in session
- Complete when calm, about a specific recurring urge.
- Fill all four boxes honestly.
- Include long-term consequences.
- Keep a copy accessible.
- Review in the moment of crisis.
Clinician tips
- Acknowledge real pros of acting on urges; honesty builds trust.
- Pair with TIPP or STOP when urges are intense.
- Update after crises.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why list pros of acting on the urge?
Acknowledging why the urge makes sense reduces defensiveness and makes the analysis more believable.
When should I fill this out?
Ideally when calm, then review it when urges arise.
References
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
