Teach clients the three “What Skills” of DBT Mindfulness with a clear, step-by-step worksheet.
The foundation of DBT is mindfulness — and the What Skills (Observe, Describe, Participate) are the first building blocks clients learn. This printable + fillable worksheet helps clients practice awareness, labeling experiences without judgment, and engaging fully in the present moment.
✅ What’s Inside
A therapist-designed, easy-to-use worksheet that breaks down each What Skill into guided prompts:
- Observe: Notice sensations, thoughts, and feelings without trying to change them.
- Describe: Put words to internal experiences without judgment (“I feel sad” vs. “I am weak”).
- Participate: Enter fully into the current activity with focus and presence.
The worksheet includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for each skill.
- Client prompts & reflection spaces to practice Observe, Describe, and Participate.
- Real-life examples to make concepts easier to grasp.
- Fillable fields for teletherapy or print-and-go for in-person sessions.
Perfect For
- Therapists teaching DBT mindfulness in group or individual sessions.
- Clients & individuals practicing mindfulness skills at home.
- Teens & adults — clear language works for both.
How to Use in Session
- Introduce the three What Skills → explain each with a simple example.
- Walk through the worksheet together → practice noticing, describing, or participating.
- Assign as homework → encourage clients to complete at least one skill per day.
- Review in session → reflect on successes and challenges.
Why This Worksheet Works
- Provides structure for teaching the foundation of DBT.
- Helps clients move from theory → practice with concrete steps.
- Designed to be engaging, simple, and effective for a wide range of clients.