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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 19a  
identifying Self-  validation
For each A and B pair, check the more effective response when someone else invalidates you.
••••••••1a. Describe your own experience, point 
of view, emotion, or action in a matter-of-fact way.
1B. Say, “How stupid of me,” or put yourself down for your response.•
•
•
•
•
•
4a. Jump to anger and call yourself a 
wimp if you start feeling sad or alone.
4B. Accept that it hurts to be invalidated, and feel the pain.
••••••••••••2a. Blast the other person and argue your 
point of view, even if you might be wrong.
2B. When someone disagrees with what you think or do, be open to being 
wrong and being OK with that. Check