What does the “A” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Activities.
What does “C” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Contributing
What does “E” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Emotions
What does “P” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Pushing Away
How can changing your thoughts help in a distressing situation?
It engages the mind in something else, preventing emotional overwhelm.
Name a few activities that can distract you when feeling distressed.
Reading, watching TV, exercising, cooking.
Name one way you can contribute to others.
Volunteering, helping a friend, doing a kind act.
How can you create a different emotion to distract from distress?
By engaging in activities that evoke opposite or positive emotions.
When is it appropriate to use the pushing away skill?
In crisis situations when facing emotions may make things worse.
What does the “S” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Sensations
Why do activities help when managing distress?
They shift focus away from emotional distress and engage the mind.
What is the purpose of the ACCEPT skills?
Manage times of crisis and use a skill to distract.
Name one movie, song, or activity that changes your mood.
Any example that evokes positive emotions or distraction.
Name one visualization technique to push away distressing thoughts.
Examples: Putting thoughts in a box, locking them in a safe, throwing them away.
Name one intense sensation that can distract from emotional pain.
Holding ice, taking a cold shower, snapping a rubber band.
Give an example of a mindful activity that promotes grounding.
5 senses, Colors, Objects, Breathing Exercises.
What is the purpose of using comparisons as a distress tolerance skill?
To put your situation in perspective by comparing it to something worse.
Why is it helpful to intentionally create a different emotion?
It shifts focus away from distress and promotes emotional balance.
Why is pushing away a temporary solution?
Because avoiding emotions for too long can lead to unresolved feelings.
Why is it important to use sensations safely?
To prevent harm and focus on safe ways to change emotional intensity.
How long should you engage in an activity to notice a positive change?
At least 10–20 minutes to allow distraction to take effect.
What does the second “C” in ACCEPTS stand for?
Comparisons
Who can share a time when changing emotions helped them feel better?
Any personal example that highlights emotional regulation.
What does “T” stand for in ACCEPTS?
Name all 7 ACCEPTS skills in order
Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing Away, Thoughts, Sensations.