Distress Tolerance Techniques Flashcards

In ACCEPTS, what does the "C" in the first position after Activities represent?

Answer: Contributing

ACCEPTS: Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, Sensations.

A client watches a comedy to change their mood and distract from distress. Which ACCEPTS skill is this?

Answer: Emotions

Creating different emotions through movies, music, or books is the Emotions component of ACCEPTS.

Which skill uses a mental image of putting the painful situation in a box on a shelf temporarily?

Answer: Pushing away

Pushing away means temporarily setting the situation aside, not avoiding it forever.

What does the "I" in IMPROVE stand for?

Answer: Imagery

IMPROVE: Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Vacation, Encouragement.

Which self-soothing example best uses the sense of smell?

Answer: Lighting a lavender candle

Self-soothing uses the five senses; a scented candle engages smell.

Which statement about distraction skills is accurate in DBT?

Answer: They are used to get through a moment without acting impulsively

Distraction is a short-term tool for tolerating distress, not a way to permanently avoid problems.

When would a therapist most likely teach the pros and cons skill?

Answer: To decide whether to tolerate distress or give in to an urge

Pros and cons compares acting on crisis urges versus tolerating distress, for both options.