Scenario: Your partner decides to end the relationship despite your efforts to fix things.
Prompt: How can you practice radical acceptance?
Accept that the relationship has ended, acknowledge your feelings, and recognize that you cannot change your partner’s decision.
Scenario: You relapse and think, “I’m a failure.”
Prompt: Reframe this thought.
“Relapse is a setback, not a failure. I can learn from this experience and continue my recovery.”
Scenario: You feel angry and want to lash out at someone.
Prompt: What is the opposite action?
Instead of acting angrily, use a calm tone or take a break to cool down.
Scenario: You are experiencing intense panic and racing heart.
Prompt: What TIP skill can you use?
Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice pack to activate the dive reflex.
Scenario: You need your boss to approve time off for a medical appointment.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN to make your request.
Scenario: You receive a chronic medical diagnosis.
Prompt: How would you use radical acceptance?
Accept the diagnosis as reality, stop fighting against it, and focus on managing your health moving forward.
Scenario: You believe, “I’ll never be able to change.”
Prompt: Reframe the thought.
“Change is possible, even if it takes time. I’ve made progress before and can do it again.”
Scenario: You feel depressed and want to stay in bed all day.
Prompt: What is the opposite action?
Get up, shower, and engage in an activity, even if it’s small.
Scenario: You feel overwhelmed and can’t focus.
Prompt: Apply a TIP skill.
Do intense physical exercise (e.g., jumping jacks or running in place) for a few minutes.
Scenario: You want a friend to respect your boundaries about substance use.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: You miss an important deadline at work and cannot change the outcome.
Prompt: Apply radical acceptance.
Acknowledge the missed deadline, accept that it cannot be undone, and focus on learning from the situation.
Scenario: You think, “No one cares about me.”
Prompt: Reframe this belief.
“Some people may care about me, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. I can reach out for support.”
Scenario: You feel anxious and want to avoid a social event.
Prompt: What is the opposite action?
Attend the event, even if only for a short time, to challenge avoidance. (within reason)
Scenario: You are emotionally flooded after an argument.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Practice paced breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds.
Scenario: You need a roommate to lower the noise at night.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: Your family is not supportive of your recovery process.
Prompt: Practice radical acceptance.
Accept your family’s current stance, recognize you cannot force their support, and focus on seeking support elsewhere.
Scenario: You feel anxious about attending a group and think, “Everyone will judge me.”
Prompt: Reframe the thought.
“Others may be focused on their own recovery. I can participate and learn without worrying about judgment.”
Scenario: You feel shame after making a mistake and want to hide.
Prompt: What is the opposite action?
Share your mistake with someone you trust or seek support.
Scenario: You are shaking and unable to calm down after receiving bad news.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Try paired muscle relaxation: tense and release muscle groups while breathing slowly.
Scenario: You want a family member to attend therapy with you.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.
Scenario: You are stuck in traffic and will be late for an appointment.
Prompt: Use radical acceptance.
Accept that you cannot control the traffic, let go of frustration, and focus on what you can do next.
Scenario: You think, “If I ask for help, I’ll be a burden.”
Prompt: Reframe the belief.
“Asking for help is a sign of strength. Support systems are there to help, and I am worthy of support.”
Scenario: You feel guilt after an argument and want to withdraw.
Prompt: What is the opposite action?
Apologize or make amends, rather than avoiding the person.
Scenario: You feel emotionally overwhelmed and unable to think clearly.
Prompt: Use a TIP skill.
Hold your breath and submerge your face in cold water for a few seconds to quickly lower arousal.
Scenario: You need your healthcare provider to explain medication side effects.
Prompt: Use DEAR MAN.