Teen DBT Game - Skill Switch: Adolescent Therapy Game DBT STOP, DEARMAN, TIPP

Pick a scene. Choose a goal and skill. Rehearse what you would say or do—then change the situation and try again. Skill Switch is a 32-page DBT-informed practice lab for therapist-led teen sessions. 

A skill can sound useful on paper. Skill Switch gives teens a structured way to practise using it in an everyday situation.

Choose a fictional scene, decide what matters next, pick a taught skill and rehearse a response. Then add a compatible Switch Card: something about the situation changes, and the teen adapts their words or action. The aim is thoughtful practice, with more than one valid response.

Designed for teens around ages 13–18 in therapist-led individual or group sessions, this cooperative printable resource supports discussion and rehearsal without points or racing.

WHAT TEENS DO

• My First Move: choose a goal and skill, then rehearse actual words or an action.
• Something Changed: replay the scene after a compatible switch and adapt the response.
• Two Possible Moves: compare two responses to the same situation.
• My Real-Life Switch Plan: choose one small practice step beyond the game.

Facilitator notes offer coaching prompts and flexible modes, including a no-writing option.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

One 32-page US Letter PDF containing:
• 24 Scene Cards covering everyday teen situations
• 16 Switch Cards that change a scene for another practice round
• 8 Skill Cards with quick reminders
• 8 Goal Cards to help choose what matters next
• 4 blank cards for custom prompts
• Skill guides, a worked round, facilitator setup and coaching notes
• Practice, replay, comparison and debrief sheets
• A take-home plan and switch compatibility table
All of these components are included within the 32 pages.

SKILLS AND TOPICS

Pause with STOP, notice mindfully, ground attention, self-soothe, check the facts, explore opposite action when appropriate, solve one part of a problem and rehearse a clear request with DEAR MAN. Everyday scenes include friendship and messaging, school, home and setbacks.