DBT-CBT Addresses Six Major Problem Areas
These six areas are listed below. Examples of the types of problems
we might have in each area are also noted.
This workbook is designed to meet the needs of people who suffer
from problems in SOME or ALL of the six areas.
1. RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
Conflict-Filled or Stormy Relationships • Abusive Relationships
Relationship Disappointments or Frequent Ups and Downs
Unfulfilling Relationships • Short-Term Relations
Love – Hate Relationships • Few or No Close Relations
Fear of Rejection / Actual Rejection / People Have Pulled Away
Co-Dependency / Dependency • Attention-Seeking Behavior
Fear of Abandonment / Actual Abandonment • Mistrust
Mad at Everyone • Loneliness / Can’t Tolerate Being Alone
Shyness / Fear / Major Discomfort in Social Situations
2. MOOD SWINGS – DEPRESSION – ANXIETY – ANGER
Moodiness / Major Mood Swings • Easily Angered • Rage
Guilt / Shame • Being a “High Drama” Person
Unbearable / Intense Emotions • Anxiety / Panic
Depression / Helplessness / Hopelessness / Worthlessness
Believe Things Won’t Get Better / Want to Give Up
Feel Out-of-Control / Overwhelmed / Suicidal
3. UNHEALTHY THINKING
Worrying / Overthinking / “Stewing” over Things
Dwelling on the Past • Preoccupied with Revenge
Pessimistic Thinking / Negative Expectations • Irrational Beliefs
Catastrophizing / Blowing Things Out of Proportion
Black and White / All-or-None Thinking
Putting Ourselves Down / Focusing on Our Worst Qualities
4. UNHEALTHY COPING BEHAVIORS
Please see the “List of Common Self-Destructive Coping Behaviors” above.
5. OTHER IMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS – BAD CHOICES
Doing Things on a Whim / Making “Snap Judgments”
Not Thinking Things Through and Having Negative Consequences as a Result
6. QUALITY OF LIFE PROBLEMS
Burnt-Out / Life Is a Chore • Nothing to Live For
Emptiness / Meaninglessness / Boredom
More Problems Than I Can Bear • Must Start Over
Financial Problems / Bankruptcy
Job Loss / Can’t Keep a Job Loss of Career or Professional License
Demotion / Probation at Work
Loss of Relationships • Family Pulled Away • Can’t See Children
Loss of Trust From Others • Reputation Damaged
Loss of Self-Respect and Integrity • Loss of Self-Confidence
Problems Getting an Education / Not Completing Semesters
Underachievement • Loss of Housing • Loss of Transportation
Loss of Possessions • Loss of Pets • Loss of Freedom
Legal Problems / Probation or Imprisonment
Health Problems / New Medical Diagnosis
This list is an excerpt from the DBT-CBT Therapy Workbook – “Out-of-Control: A Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Workbook for Getting Control of Our Emotions and Emotion-Driven Behavior” by Melanie Gordon Sheets, Ph.D. – 2009 – Recovery Works Publications