Wise mind is a DBT skill that helps people consider both emotion and logic when navigating difficult situations or making a decision. Rather than relying solely on feelings or facts, wise mind brings these perspectives together to support thoughtful, effective responses.
Our Using Wise Mind: DBT skill worksheet focuses on applying this skill to a real-life challenge. Clients begin by identifying a current challenge and then summarizing what their emotions and the facts say about the situation. Finally, they develop a wise mind response that integrates both perspectives.
Use this resource with clients learning DBT skills or anyone who struggles to balance what they believe they “should” do and what they want to do. It may be especially helpful for clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety disorders, depression, or difficulties with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. Remind clients that their wise mind response may be a new perspective on the challenge rather than a specific action they’ll take.
Discussion questions:
- How did you decide which emotions and facts deserved attention?
- How is your wise mind response different from what emotional mind or reasonable mind would have chosen?
- How can you put your wise mind response into practice?
