Emotion Mind
True or False: Emotion Mind is always irrational and useless.
False. Emotions provide important information, but Emotion Mind can become unhelpful when emotions completely drive behavior.
Name 2 strengths of Logical Mind.
Helps problem-solve, organizes thinking, reduces impulsive decisions, clarifies facts, and supports critical thinking, planning, and decision-making based on facts (any two).
Wise Mind is a balance between what two states?
Emotion Mind and Logical (Reasonable) Mind.
What skill helps you pause before reacting impulsively?
STOP
Your friend leaves you on read for hours. What would Wise Mind do?
Avoid jumping to conclusions, consider other explanations, and wait or communicate calmly.
A person reacts to a situation immediately without pausing, and their body feels “amped up” or overwhelmed. What is this state driven by?
Intense emotions and urges (Emotion Mind)
A person focuses only on facts and evidence when making a decision, without considering how they feel. What is this mindset prioritizing?
Logic, facts, and evidence/objective over emotion
A person is feeling angry but chooses to wait until they've calmed down before responding. What skill are they demonstrating?
Wise Mind (balancing feelings with thoughtful action)
What does TIPP help regulate?
Intense emotion/nervous system arousal
You get embarrassed in class. What’s a Wise Mind response?
Acknowledge the embarrassment, remind yourself mistakes happen, and continue participating.
Name 2 behaviors someone might do in Emotion Mind.
Yelling during an argument, sending an impulsive text, quitting something suddenly, crying uncontrollably (any two).
When in Logical Mind, a person might dismiss emotional reactions as unimportant or irrelevant. What is one risk of relying only on this mindset?
Ignoring important emotions, seeming cold or disconnected, or making decisions that don't align with personal values.
Name 1 way to access Wise Mind in the moment.
Mindful breathing, meditation, pausing, grounding, observing thoughts, or self-reflection.
What skill helps you check if your thoughts fit the facts?
Check the Facts
You feel angry after an argument with a parent. What would Wise Mind suggest before responding?
Pause, regulate emotions, check the facts, and respond respectfully when calm.
Why can Emotion Mind sometimes lead to decisions people regret later?
Because decisions are made based on temporary emotions rather than considering facts, consequences, or long-term goals.
What can be a limitation of staying only in Logical Mind?
Emotions and relationships may be overlooked, leading to decisions that aren't balanced or fulfilling.
Complete this Wise Mind statement: "I can be upset about this situation and ______."
Answer: Any balanced response such as:
Name 3 distress tolerance skills.
TIPP, ACCEPTS, IMPROVE, Self-Soothe, Radical Acceptance, Pros/Cons
You see photos online of your friends hanging out without you. Your first thought is, "They don't want me around anymore." What are the Logical Mind, Emotion Mind, and Wise Mind interpretations?
Act out Emotion Mind in a situation where someone cancels plans last minute.
Example: "Forget it! I don't want to be friends anymore!" (impulsive, emotionally driven reaction).
Act out Logical Mind when someone says something hurtful.
"They said those words. I need more information before deciding how to respond."
Act out Wise Mind when you feel left out by friends.
"I'm feeling hurt right now. Before assuming anything, I'll check the facts and talk to my friends."
A teen experiences a distress level of 95/100 after an argument with a parent. Create a DBT skill sequence using at least three skills to help them move toward Wise Mind.
STOP → TIPP → Check the Facts → DEAR MAN conversation when calm.
You are overwhelmed, angry, and want to quit therapy/group. What would Wise Mind say to you in that moment?
"This is really hard right now. I can take a break, use my coping skills, and make a decision when I'm calmer instead of acting on this feeling immediately."