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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 24  (Emotion Regulation Worksheet 16) (p. 1 of 2)
Troubleshooting e motion r egulation Skills: When What 
you a re Doing i sn’t Working
1check y our Biolo Gical Sen SiTiviTy
••ASK: Am I biologically more vulnerable?
Do I have untreated physical illness or distress?
Am I out of balance on eating, use of drugs, sleep, exercise?
Have I taken medications as prescribed?
••WORK  on your PLEASE skills.
1. Take care of physical illness and distress.
2. Take medications as prescribed. Check if others are needed.
3. Try again.
2check y our Skill S
••REVIEW  what you have tried.
Did you try a skill likely to be effective?
Did you follow the skill instructions to the letter?
••WORK  on your skills.
1. Review and try other skills.
2. Get coaching if you need it.
3. Try again.
3check for reinforcer S
••ASK: Do my emotions . . .
COMMUNICATE  an important message or influence people to do things?
MOTIVATE  me to do things I think are important?
VALIDATE  my beliefs or my identity?
FEEL GOOD ?
••IF YES :
1. Practice interpersonal effectiveness skills to communicate.
2. Work to find new reinforcers to motivate yourself.
3. Practice self-  validation.