I Statements
Complete this sentence: “I feel _______ when _______ because _______.”
Any appropriate feelings, behavior, and reason (example: “I feel upset when you interrupt me because I lose my train of thought.”)
Scenario: A friend frequently borrows your things without asking and returns them late.
Question: What type of boundary is being crossed?
Material / property boundary
True or False: “Independent decision-making means letting someone else choose for you.”
False
fill in the blank: “When I feel anxious, I can calm myself by _______.”
Answer: deep breathing, counting, taking a break, or another coping strategy
True or False: “I-statements help you express your feelings without blaming others.”
True
A peer at the program repeatedly touches your hair after you have told them you don’t like it.
Question: They are crossing what type of boundary?
Personal / physical boundary
Fill in the blank: “If I feel pressured to do something I don’t want, I can respond assertively by saying _______.”
No, thank you. I’m not comfortable doing that.”
True or False: “Talking to a friend or counselor when upset is an example of a coping skill.”
True
Fill in the blank: “Instead of saying ‘You are wrong,’ I can say, ‘_______.’”
“I feel differently about this” or “I see it another way”
Scenario: Someone keeps asking you to share personal information about your family, and you feel uncomfortable.
Question: What type of boundary are they violating?
Emotional / privacy boundary
Scenario: A peer tells you it’s okay to skip your medications for the day because “it won’t matter.”
Question: How can you make an independent decision?
Answer: Decide based on your own health needs and follow your medication plan. Example: “I’m taking my medications as prescribed because it helps me feel better.”
Fill in the blank: “Replacing negative thoughts with realistic or positive thoughts is called _______.”
Cognitive restructuring or positive self-talk