DBT Crisis Intervention and Safety Flashcards

What is the primary risk management concern when using the 24-hour phone coaching rule?

Answer: The rule must not be applied rigidly if a client is in genuine danger requiring immediate response

While the 24-hour rule is important for avoiding reinforcing self-harm, it must never be applied in a way that leaves a client without support when they are in genuine, immediate danger.

What is 'ACCEPTS' in DBT distress tolerance?

Answer: A set of distraction strategies for getting through crises: Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, Sensations

ACCEPTS is a DBT distress tolerance skill using distraction strategies: Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, and Sensations.

In DBT, what is 'radical acceptance' and how does it relate to crisis intervention?

Answer: Fully accepting reality as it is, without judgment, which reduces suffering by eliminating the pain of fighting what cannot be changed

Radical acceptance means fully acknowledging and accepting reality as it is without fighting it, which in crisis situations can reduce emotional suffering caused by non-acceptance.

What is 'self-soothe with the five senses' in DBT distress tolerance?

Answer: Comforting oneself through sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to soothe distress

Self-soothe with the five senses is a DBT distress tolerance skill involving using pleasant sensory experiences — soothing music, calming scents, favorite textures — to reduce emotional distress.

What is 'willingness vs. willfulness' in DBT?

Answer: Willingness is doing what is needed in each situation; willfulness is refusing to do what works or insisting on having one's own way

In DBT, willingness means being open to doing what works in each situation, while willfulness is refusing to tolerate the moment or insisting things must be different — a key obstacle to using crisis skills.

What is a 'behavioral contract' in DBT crisis planning?

Answer: A written commitment between client and therapist specifying what the client will and will not do during a crisis

A behavioral contract in DBT crisis planning is a written agreement where the client commits to specific safe behaviors and alternative actions during a crisis instead of engaging in self-harm.