Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, without judging or trying to change it. Practicing mindfulness can help manage uncomfortable emotions and improve relationships.
In dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), “what” and “how” skills are the components of mindfulness. “What” skills refer to what someone actually does to be mindful, while “how” skills refer to the mindset they bring to these actions.
Our DBT Mindfulness Skills worksheet breaks down each skill, describing what it is and what it is not, as well as how to practice it.
| “What” skills include: | “How” skills include: |
| Observe | Nonjudgmentally |
| Describe | One-mindfully |
| Participate | Effectively |
The goal of mindfulness is to help clients thrive in the present moment. Use this handout with clients who have trouble staying in the moment due to distraction, rumination, or worries about the past or future.
It can be challenging to learn and internalize mindfulness skills, so encourage regular practice.
