Emotion Basics
DBT skill asks clients to name what they’re feeling without judgment or interpretation.
What is Describing Emotions?
A tight chest, shaky hands, and a racing heart are examples of this part of describing emotions.
What are physical sensations?
“Something bad is going to happen” is a thought commonly paired with this emotion.
What is fear?
The urge to hide, avoid, or withdraw is commonly associated with this emotion.
What is shame?
The DBT term for describing an emotion using only what you can observe with your senses.
What is non‑judgmental description?
The three parts of an emotion DBT teaches us to describe.
What are body sensations, thoughts, and urges?
The emotion most commonly linked with clenched fists and heat in the face.
What is anger?
“I’m not good enough” is a thought often linked to this emotion.
What is shame?
The urge to run, escape, or freeze is linked to this emotion.
What is fear?
“My stomach is tight, my thoughts are racing, and I want to leave the room” is an example of this.
What is a full emotional description?
The difference between “I feel sad” and “I feel like no one cares about me.” Question: What is emotion vs. thought?
What is emotion vs. thought?
Butterflies in the stomach often signal this emotion.
What is anxiety?
The DBT term for separating the story in your mind from the emotion itself.
What is checking the facts?
The urge to yell, confront, or push back is tied to this emotion.
What is anger?
The step you take after describing an emotion to decide whether to act on it or not.
What is checking the facts or opposite action?
The term for adding meaning, assumptions, or judgments to an emotion.
What is interpreting?
Heavy limbs, slowed breathing, and low energy often describe this emotion.
What is sadness?
“This shouldn’t be happening” is a judgment that often intensifies this emotion.
What is anger?
The urge to reach out, connect, or share is associated with this emotion.
What is joy?
The reason DBT teaches describing emotions before trying to change them.
What is you can’t change what you haven’t identified?
DBT phrase for sticking to the facts of your internal experience.
What is observing and describing?
This emotion often shows up as expanded chest, warmth, and relaxed muscles.
What is joy?
The skill used to notice when thoughts are exaggerating or catastrophizing.
What is Wise Mind?
The urge to cling, grasp, or hold on tightly often shows up with this emotion.
What is anxiety or fear of loss?
The DBT idea that emotions are temporary, observable experiences rather than identity statements.
What is emotions are not facts?