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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).interpersonal effectiveness Handout 18a  
identifying v alidation
For each A and B pair, check the more effective response.
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1a. Think about your day when the other 
person is talking about his or her day.
1B. Throw yourself into listening about the other person’s day.••••••••5a. Remember that people’s thoughts, 
feelings, and behaviors don’t always match. Check the facts.
5B. Assume that you can tell exactly what people are feeling and thinking.
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•2a. If you are uncertain of people’s 
thoughts and feelings, ask them what they are thinking or feeling, or try to 
imagine yourself in their situation.
2B. Assume that if people want you to know what they are thinking or 
feeling, they will tell you.•
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