DBT House
DBT House is used to help clients visualize their personal strengths, coping skills, goals, and values as the “building blocks” of their lives. Each “level” represents an important aspect of well-being, encouraging clients to explore their values, sense of self, and emotional goals.
How to Administer:
Introduce the Concept: Explain to the client that they will create a “house” to represent themselves. Each section symbolizes different elements of their life, mental health, and values. The goal is to build self-awareness, set goals, and foster emotional resilience.
Guide Each Section: Move through each level one by one, encouraging clients to explore and add their own unique thoughts and values. The house metaphor helps visualize their DBT journey, while offering a structured way to assess and develop key skills.
Interpret and Reflect: Discuss with the client what each level and element represents to them. Use their responses to gauge areas of strength and areas needing development.
Worksheet Elements:
Level 1 (Foundation): Represents core values and beliefs. Encourage clients to identify the principles they stand by, such as integrity, kindness, or honesty. This foundation keeps them grounded and focused on their true selves during challenging times.
Walls: Are the boundaries and support systems that protect the client’s values and goals. Clients can list the boundaries they need to maintain, as well as the people or routines that provide them stability and support.
Level 2: This is where clients identify their current coping skills. These skills are often the “tools” they’ve learned in DBT, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, or emotional regulation techniques. By including them here, clients can see how they actively support their foundation.
Level 3: Represents personal goals or aspirations. Here, clients can write down goals they are working toward, whether big or small. It helps to remind them of their desired progress and provides motivation.
Level 4: It’s about long-term aspirations or self-actualization. Here, clients envision who they want to be and what they’d like to achieve in the future. This level captures dreams or ideals, helping clients look ahead with optimism.
Chimney: Represents effective communication or letting go of negativity. Clients can think of this as the “release valve” where they can let out frustrations or use healthy ways to communicate their needs.
Billboard: Space to write a motivational phrase, a personal motto, or a meaningful quote. It’s a visible reminder of what they’re working toward, keeping them encouraged.
By using the DBT House, clients can create a structured, visual roadmap for self-development, one that empowers them to build and reinforce a solid foundation for well-being.