DBT Skills At a Glance
A one-page DBT overview summarizing the four skill modules and key skills, with a checklist of skills learned and a weekly focus prompt.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Psychoeducation
- Approach / concern
- DBT
- Technique
- Psychoeducation
- 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 DBT Skills At a Glance?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, developed by Marsha Linehan, teaches skills in four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. An overview helps clients see how skills fit together and choose the right one.
Why it works
DBT skills training has been shown to reduce emotion dysregulation and related problems, including as a stand-alone intervention (Valentine et al., 2015; Linehan, 2015).
When to use it
- Orientation to DBT skills groups
- Reviewing skills between modules
- Clients who forget which skill to use
- Teens and families in DBT-A
How to use it in session
- Introduce the four modules.
- Tick skills learned or of interest.
- Choose a weekly focus skill.
- Plan when to use it.
- Review in the next session.
Clinician tips
- Keep this sheet in the client’s skills binder.
- Link each skill to its detailed worksheet.
- Use as a quick reference during 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
What are the four DBT skill modules?
Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Can DBT skills help people without BPD?
Yes. DBT skills are widely used for emotion dysregulation across many presentations.
References
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Valentine, S. E., Bankoff, S. M., Poulin, R. M., Reidler, E. B., & Pantalone, D. W. (2015). The use of dialectical behavior therapy skills training as stand-alone treatment: A systematic review of the treatment outcome literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(1), 1-20.
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.
