Building Mastery Plan
A DBT emotion regulation weekly planner for daily mastery activities, completion, sense of mastery ratings and the next step up.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Emotion regulation
- Approach / concern
- DBT
- Technique
- Emotion regulation
- 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 Building Mastery Plan?
Building mastery is a DBT emotion regulation skill involving daily activities that create a sense of competence and control. Activities should be challenging but achievable, with difficulty increasing gradually.
Why it works
Experiences of competence reduce emotional vulnerability and build self-efficacy. Building mastery is part of the DBT ABC PLEASE skills (Linehan, 2015).
When to use it
- Low self-efficacy and helplessness
- Depression
- Emotion dysregulation
- DBT skills groups
How to use it in session
- Choose activities that are slightly challenging.
- Plan one per day.
- Rate sense of mastery after.
- Increase difficulty gradually.
- Notice the effect on mood.
Clinician tips
- Too easy builds little mastery; too hard leads to failure.
- Include practical, creative and physical activities.
- Celebrate completion, not perfection.
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 counts as a mastery activity?
Anything that feels slightly challenging and gives a sense of accomplishment, from cooking a new recipe to learning a skill.
How is this different from behavioural activation?
They overlap. Building mastery focuses specifically on competence; behavioural activation also includes pleasure and values.
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.
