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From DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition  by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha M. Linehan. Permission 
to photocopy this handout is granted to purchasers of this book for personal use only (see copyright page for details). eMotion r eGulation Handout 12  (Emotion Regulation Worksheet 8)
problem Solving
Step 1. fiGure ou T and D eScriBe the problem situation.
Step 2. check T he fac TS (all the facts) to be sure you have the right problem  situation!
If your facts are correct and 
the situation is the problem,  
continue with STep 3.If your facts are not correct,  
go back and repeat STep 1.
Step 3. iDenTify your G oal in solving the problem.
••Identify what needs to happen or change for you to feel OK.
••Keep it simple, and choose something that can actually happen.
Step 4. Brain STorm  lots of solutions.
••Think of as many solutions as you can. Ask for suggestions from people you trust.
••Do not be critical of any ideas at first. (Wait for Step 5 to evaluate ideas.)
Step 5. choo Se a solution that fits the goal and is likely to work.
••If you are unsure, choose two solutions that look good.
••Do PROS  and CONS  to compare the solutions.
••Choose the best to try first.
Step 6. p ut the solution into acTion .
••ACT! Try out the solution.
••Take the first step, and then the second . . .
Step 7. evaluaT e the results of using the solution.