Weekly Skills Diary Card
A DBT-informed weekly diary card tracking emotion intensities, urges, actions and skills used each day, with reflection on the most helpful skill.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · DBT-informed
- Approach / concern
- DBT
- Technique
- DBT-informed
- 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 Weekly Skills Diary Card?
Diary cards are a core self-monitoring tool in DBT, used to set session agendas and track target behaviours, emotions and skills use.
Why it works
Linehan (1993) describes the diary card as central to DBT individual therapy. Skills use mediates outcomes in DBT (Linehan, 2015).
When to use it
- DBT and DBT-informed therapy
- Emotion dysregulation
- Self-harm and urges (with risk management)
- Skills groups
How to use it in session
- Fill in daily.
- Rate emotions and urges.
- Note actions.
- Record skills.
- Review in session.
Clinician tips
- Use the card to set the agenda.
- Reinforce honest reporting.
- Adapt columns to client targets.
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 is a diary card?
A daily log of emotions, urges and skills used, reviewed with your therapist.
What if I forget a day?
Fill in what you can remember; consistency improves with practice.
References
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. 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.
