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DBT Problem-Solving Skill

Problem-solving belongs within DBT emotion regulation and is used when the facts identify a changeable problem.

Distress tolerance helps a person avoid worsening a crisis. Problem-solving is different: it aims to change the situation that is contributing to an emotion. It is most useful after immediate safety and arousal have been addressed.

  1. Describe the problem. Identify the observable facts, people involved and consequences.
  2. Check the facts. Separate assumptions from information you can verify.
  3. Define the goal. State what needs to be different.
  4. Generate options. Include several realistic actions before evaluating them.
  5. Compare options. Consider benefits, costs, feasibility, safety and values.
  6. Choose and act. Break the option into a specific first step.
  7. Review. Examine the result and revise the plan when necessary.

When not to rely on this worksheet

Some problems require medical, legal, financial, safeguarding or specialist advice. A structured list cannot resolve coercion, discrimination or emergencies, and not every painful reality is immediately changeable.

Return to DBT Emotion Regulation Skills.

Reference

Linehan, M. M. DBT Skills Training Manual, Revised Edition. Guilford Press, 2025.

Evidence and editorial note

Resource type: Educational overview of a DBT skill or skills module. It supports learning and practice but is not comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Evidence basis: Marsha M. Linehan’s DBT Skills Training Manual, Revised Edition (2025), official Behavioral Tech training information, current NICE guidance and peer-reviewed evidence reviews where treatment claims are discussed.

Review status: Written and evidence-checked by the CounselorAid editorial team. Last evidence review: 3 August 2026. No named independent clinical reviewer is being claimed. Please report factual or safety concerns through the contact page.

Important: This information cannot diagnose a condition, assess personal risk or replace care from an appropriately qualified professional. In an immediate crisis or medical emergency, use local emergency or crisis services.