Self-Validation Practice
A DBT-informed worksheet contrasting invalidating and validating self-talk, with a practice table and space for personal validating phrases.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Validation
- Approach / concern
- DBT
- Technique
- Validation
- 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 Self-Validation Practice?
Validation communicates that a person’s emotions, thoughts or behaviours are understandable. Self-validation applies this to oneself, reducing secondary emotions like shame and supporting emotion regulation.
Why it works
DBT identifies invalidating environments as a contributor to emotion dysregulation and teaches validation, including self-validation, as a core skill (Linehan, 2015).
When to use it
- Shame and self-judgement
- Emotion dysregulation
- Clients raised in invalidating environments
- DBT skills groups
How to use it in session
- Explain validation versus agreement.
- Identify common self-invalidating statements.
- Practise validating responses to real situations.
- Build a list of phrases.
- Use alongside other emotion regulation skills.
Clinician tips
- Validation doesn’t mean the behaviour was effective.
- Validate the valid; don’t validate the invalid.
- Self-validation can feel awkward at first.
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
Does self-validation mean I can act however I feel?
No. Validation acknowledges feelings as understandable; you can still choose effective actions.
Why do I find it so hard to validate myself?
If you grew up with feelings dismissed, self-validation can feel unfamiliar. It improves with practice.
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.
