Emotions and Communications
What is verbal communication and what does it look like?
Talking with words;
•Talking to a friend
•Answering a question in class
•Calling someone
What was the DBT Skills this week?
Check the Facts and Opposite Action
Identify a personal anger thought.
Answers Vary
What is the ripple effect of substance use?
Substance use impacts other areas of life to include emotional, relationships, family, finances and school.
What is the Opposite Action urge for fear?
Approach
What is one way communication?
One person sends a message. The other person does not respond.
When do you use the Check the Facts skill?
Use the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) "Check the Facts" skill when your emotional intensity does not match the actual situation, you are catastrophizing, or your reaction is driven by assumptions rather than observable reality.
What does A.N.T. stand for?
Automatic Negative Thought
How does substance use negatively impact relationships?
•Friends stop trusting you
•Increased arguments with parents or caregivers
•Feeling left out or isolated
•Pressure to lie or hide things
•Damaging friendships or team relationships
•People see you differently than you want them to
What is the Opposite Action for anger urges?
Gently avoid
What is two way communication? Provide an example.
Two-Way Communication – Back and Forth
Both people send and receive messages.
Examples:
•A conversation
•Asking and answering questions
•Talking through a problem
What is Opposite Action?
The opposite action skill is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) technique used to change unwanted or unhelpful emotions by deliberately acting contrary to your emotional urges.
Challenge this automatic negative thought:
"It doesn't matter what I say or do."
Answers Vary
Examples: "I am trying my best"
"My actions bring me closer to my goals"
How does substance use negatively impact school/work?
•Trouble paying attention or remembering things
•Lower grades or missing assignments
•Getting in trouble at school (detention, suspension)
•Missing school or activities due to consequences
•Losing trust from teachers or coaches
•Fewer chances for clubs, sports, or leadership roles
Why is forgiveness important?
Forgiveness is important because it improves mental health, heals emotional pain, and lowers physical stress. It lets you let go of anger so you can find
What is the definition of a fact? Provide an example.
A fact is something that is real, true, and can be proved by evidence or experience. Key aspects of a fact include objective reality, verifiable truth, and a distinct difference from personal opinion
When do you use the Opposite Action Skill?
What is self forgiveness?
The ability to forgive self for mistakes, large and small, is critical to psychological well-being
How does substance use negatively impact society?
Community & Neighborhood
•Increased vandalism or damage to property
•Less feeling of safety in schools or neighborhoods
•More rules or restrictions for everyone
•Community events or spaces becoming less welcoming
Laws, Safety & Services
•More time spent by police, firefighters, and EMTs
•Emergency services being pulled away from other needs
•School staff spending time on discipline instead of learning
•Court or legal systems becoming overwhelmed
What is nonverbal communication? And provide examples.
Non-Verbal Communication – No Words
What it is:
Messages sent without speaking.
Examples:
•Facial expressions 😃😠
•Body language (crossed arms, eye contact)
•Tone of voice
•Gestures
What is the definition of an opinion? Provide an example.
An opinion is a personal belief, judgment, or view about something that is not fully proven or based on absolute certainty. It reflects what someone thinks or feels, rather than an objective fact.
Give an example of a situation you used Opposite Action. Identify the following:
The emotion you want to change:
Action Urge:
Opposite Action all the way:
How do you feel after acting opposite:
Answers vary
Everyone on your team name something you have practiced forgiving yourself for.
Answers Vary
Everyone on your team name two ways substance use has negatively impacted you.
Answers Vary
What is the best way to communicate with others when feeling overwhelmed with anger and impulsive?
The best way to communicate when feeling angry and impulsive is to use a brief pause, practice active listening, and use "I" statements. [1, 2, 3, 4]