STOP skill DBT worksheet
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Looking for a DBT STOP skill worksheet for therapy clients? This article provides mental health therapists with a brief overview of the STOP skill DBT technique, its benefits, and examples of how to use our DBT STOP skill worksheet with clients.
You can also download a free STOP technique PDF to save to your electronic health record (EHR) for repeated use in your practice.
What is the STOP skill DBT technique?
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention used by therapists that helps to build distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
DBT can treat anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-harm, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders.
The STOP skill DBT technique is part of a group of skills in the emotional regulation section of dialectical behavioral therapy.
It’s a helpful tool for clients when they feel their emotions are in the driving seat.
The STOP acronym stands for stop, take a step back, observe, and proceed mindfully.
You might explain the steps in the STOP skill DBT technique to your client in this way:
1. Stop
Instead of reacting, stop. Do not move a muscle. Name the emotion. Only act after thinking first. Remember, you control whether you react in the heat of the moment or respond calmly.
2. Take a step back
Mindful thinking in a difficult situation can be challenging. Remove yourself from the situation, take a break, and take a deep breath.
3. Observe
Take a moment to notice what is happening inside your body and around you.
What thoughts and feelings can you identify? Are you experiencing negative thoughts or thought distortions? What are others saying or doing?
Remember not to jump to conclusions; instead, respond calmly and based on the facts of the situation rather than making assumptions.
4. Proceed mindfully
Use your awareness by being mindful of others' thoughts, feelings, goals, and how your actions and behavior might positively or negatively impact the situation. Ask yourself, “What do I want to get out of this situation?”
How can the STOP skill DBT help clients?
The overall goal of the STOP skill DBT is to encourage clients to act mindfully rather than react from their emotions.
The benefits of using this skill include:
- Reduced impulsivity: By using a DBT STOP skill worksheet, clients can interrupt automatic thoughts and often unhelpful reactions to stress or intense emotions. By pausing, it empowers clients to regain control.
- Enhanced emotional regulation: By pausing to observe and reflect, clients can better understand their emotional state and choose a response that aligns with their values.
- Mindful decision-making: Acting intentionally rather than reflexively improves the client’s ability to handle challenges and make decisions mindfully.
- Improved stress management: The STOP skill interrupts the stress response and promotes a mindful approach, lowering stress and increasing resilience.
- Reduced consequences: Impulsive reactions often escalate situations, which may upset others or lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or regret. The STOP skill DBT technique helps clients avoid behaviors that might worsen the problem, leading to more positive outcomes.
- Strengthened distress tolerance skills: Practicing the STOP skill teaches clients to endure and navigate difficult moments without acting impulsively.
- Enhanced conflict resolution skills: The STOP skill DBT technique can prevent reactions leading to conflicts or further rupture. Instead, STOP promotes clients to resolve and repair conflict, leading to more positive outcomes.
- Improved interpersonal relationships: Using a DBT STOP skill worksheet can prevent damaging interpersonal conflicts caused by reacting out of anger, fear, or frustration.
How to use the DBT STOP skill worksheet with clients
You can use the DBT STOP skill worksheet with clients in several ways:
- In session to illustrate the activity
- To empower the client to identify how to respond to situations more intentionally
- As a handout to remind clients about the STOP skill DBT technique, practice it between sessions, and then debrief at their next therapy appointment
You can download the STOP technique DBT PDF for free at the top of this article.
Sources
- Chapman A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa.: Township)), 3(9), 62–68.
- DBT.tools. (n.d.). Opposite action.
- Perepletchikova, F., Axelrod, S. R., Kaufman, J., Rounsaville, B. J., Douglas-Palumberi, H., & Miller, A. L. (2011). Adapting Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Children: Towards a New Research Agenda for Paediatric Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviours. Child and adolescent mental health.
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