Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Introduce the student to DBT mindfulness basics by defining key “What” and “How” skills and guiding a brief mindfulness exercise, followed by reflection to reinforce learning.

Mindfulness is the foundational DBT skill that builds self-awareness and emotion regulation, preparing the student for more advanced coping techniques.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

Step 3

Discussion

5 minutes

Step 4

Activity

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

3 minutes

Worksheet

Discussion

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Introduce the student to DBT distress tolerance skills by teaching crisis survival strategies (TIP and ACCEPTS) with guided practice and reflection to build immediate coping mechanisms.

Distress tolerance equips the student with tools to manage intense emotions and prevent impulsive reactions during moments of crisis, fostering emotional stability and safer coping.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice

8 minutes

Step 4

Discussion

4 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

3 minutes

Worksheet

Discussion

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Introduce the student to DBT emotion regulation skills by teaching the PLEASE physical self-care skills and Opposite Action, guiding practical role-play and mapping exercises to help them manage intense emotions.

Emotion regulation skills reduce vulnerability to overwhelming emotions by building physical self-care routines and teaching opposite action to shift unhelpful emotional responses, fostering greater self-control and resilience.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice

8 minutes

Step 4

Discussion

4 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

3 minutes

Worksheet

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Teach the student DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills (DEAR MAN, GIVE, FAST) through instruction, role-play, and reflection to help them communicate needs effectively, set boundaries, and maintain both relationships and self-respect.

Interpersonal effectiveness skills empower the student to assert needs, say no when necessary, and balance relationships with self-respect, leading to healthier social interactions and improved confidence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice

8 minutes

Step 4

Discussion

4 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

3 minutes