In a relationship, be gentle. Refrain from attacking, threatening, or judging others. 

GIVE Exercise: Gentle

In a relationship, be sure to show interest by using good listening skills. Refrain from interrupting others.

GIVE Exercise: Interest

In a relationship, ensure to acknowledge others' thoughts and feelings.

GIVE Exercise: Validate

In a relationship,  make an effort to have an easy going attitude, including smiling often and being light-hearted.

GIVE Exercise: Easy

In dialectical behavior therapy, the GIVE exercise is an acronym intended to improve interpersonal effectiveness. It stands for: 
- Gentle
- Interest
- Validate
- Easy

Boston University

- GIVE exercise
- Opposite action
- Distraction
- Improving the moment
- Self-soothing
- Thinking of the pros and cons of not tolerating distress
- Radical acceptance

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Exercises

Exercises in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Improve Interpersonal Effectiveness

Schimelpfening, N. (2021, July 9). What is dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-1067402. 

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

GIVE Exercise

Opposite action is a common exercise in dialectical behavior therapy intended to improve emotional regulation in patients. It teaches patients to be able to identify how they are feeling and then act in the opposite way. For example, if a patient is feeling anti-social and wants to withdraw from their friends and family, encourage them to do the opposite and instead reach out and make plans with them.

Opposite Action Exercise

This skill is meant to help patients be able to soothe and calm themselves in moments of distress. It includes encouraging patients to use their senses to focus on what they see, hear, feel, smell, and taste around them to help them ground themselves in moments of crisis and distress.

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