DBT: getting through a crisis · worksheet 89
When a crisis comes, it is hard to think. This plan, prepared in advance with your psychologist, guides you step by step. Keep it on your phone and on paper.
This exercise is best done with the support of a psychologist.
Before you start
- What it is for: To know exactly what to do and whom to call if a crisis becomes dangerous.
- About 20 minutes, with your psychologist, at a time when you are relatively well.
- A safety plan is a list of steps, from the simplest to the most urgent, for moments when thoughts of harming yourself or of not wanting to live appear.
- If you are in danger right now, don’t fill in the worksheet: call 112, 3114 (France), 116 123 (Samaritans, UK and Ireland) or your local emergency number.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
Follow the steps in order; if one step isn’t enough, move on to the next. If you are in danger, call the emergency services straight away.
If you find it hard
If you feel in immediate danger, don’t wait: call 112, 3114 (France) or your local emergency number, or go to A&E.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Build a written, personalised safety plan with the person: warning signs, personal coping strategies, people and places for distraction, people to ask for help, professionals and emergency services, and steps towards a safer environment.
Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, serious crises. To be built with a professional. Duration: 30-45 min in session; review regularly.
References
Stanley, B. & Brown, G. K. (2012). Safety planning intervention: A brief intervention to mitigate suicide risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256-264.
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
