Safety Skills
Do whatever you need to do to put your safety above all.
” (Skill #19)
Answer: What is Stay safe? [cfsslo.org]
Let yourself cry; it will not last forever.
(Skill #6)
Answer: What is Cry?
Never, never, never… give up.
(Skill #4)
Answer: What is Persist?
This skill is where you reach out to someone safe.
(Skill #1)
Answer: What is ask for help?
When things go wrong, get out.
” (Skill #3)
Answer: What is Leave a bad scene?
Listen to yourself with respect and care.
(Skill #13)
Answer: What is Compassion?
Carry something positive (e.g., a poem).
(Skill #2)
Answer: What is Inspire yourself?
Self‑talk helps in difficult times.
” (Skill #15)
Answer: What is Talk yourself through it? [cfsslo.org]
This skill is where you say ‘no’ to protect yourself
Set a Boundary (#12)
Face a problem before it becomes huge; notice red flags.
” (Skill #28)
Answer: What is Watch for danger signs?
Create a mental picture that helps you feel different.
(Skill #16)
Answer: What is Imagine?
The most difficult path is invariably the right one.
(Skill #14)
Answer: What is When in doubt, do what’s hardest?
As if in a maze, turn a corner and try a new path.
(Skill #21)
Answer: What is If one way doesn’t work, try another?
This skill is where you'll feel closer to others when you practice this with safe people.” (Skill #34)
Skill #34)
Answer: What is Say what you really think? [cfsslo.org]
Prevent bad situations in advance.
(Skill #25)
Answer: What is Avoid avoidable suffering?
Remind yourself what you are living for.
(Skill #10)
Answer: What is Create meaning?
A good plan today is better than a perfect one tomorrow.
(Skill #30)
Answer: What is Try something, anything?
Notice the exact moment when you chose a substance.
(Skill #17)
Answer: What is Notice the choice point?
This skill is where you listen to your behavior; blaming prevents growth.
(Skill #20)
Answer: What is Seek understanding, not blame?
Put something between you and danger (e.g., time, distance).
(Skill #33)
Answer: What is Create a buffer?
Focus on what matters.
” (Skill #29)
Answer: What is Healing above all?
Find out whether your assumption is true instead of staying in your head.
(Skill #31)
Answer: What is Discovery?
Recognize substances as an attempt to self‑medicate.
(Skill #22)
Answer: What is Link PTSD and substance abuse?
If only treaters are safe for now, that’s okay.
(Skill #23)
Answer: What is Alone is better than a bad relationship?