Pros & Cons

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Use this skill when you have to a decision to make.

Use this skill when you have crisis urges. “Crisis urges” are urges to engage in behaviors that tend to offer immediate relief but make the situation worse in the long run (for example: giving up, giving in, avoiding, escaping, or numbing out).

1. If you’ve already completed a Pros & Cons, find it and review it!

2.If you don’t have it on hand get a piece of paper and make a 4-square table like the one shown below👇

3. List the pros and cons of acting on your crisis urge, and the pros and cons of tolerating your distress (acting skillfully)

4. Besides each item, note if there are long-term and/or short-term consequences.

Pros of Acting on your Urge

1)
2)
3)

Cons of Acting on your Urge

1)
2)
3)

Pros of Resisting your Urge (with DBT Skills)

1)
2)
3)

Cons of Resisting your Urge (with DBT Skills)

1)
2)
3)

Review this list over and over to avoid engaging in future crisis behaviors.