List the disadvantages and negative outcomes of a choice or action on the same piece of paper used for the Pros section. Try to think long and hard of all of the negative physical, psychological, financial, and interpersonal impact a choice or action will potentially have on you. 

Eastern Michigan University

The skill is used when you have to decide between two actions or choices but are unsure which way to go. Additionally, when overwhelming harmful urges arise, it is good to make a pros and cons list of the actions that are urged on paper. The skill consists of two parts: 

-Pros 

-Cons


Pros and Cons Skill in Crisis Survival Skills Within Distress Tolerance of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. https://survivingcptsd.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/dbt_skills_training_handouts_and_worksheets_-_linehan_marsha_srg_.pdf
- The manual has 3 modules: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each module has handouts, which are essentially the lesson plans with descriptions and teachings of the skill. 

DBT Skills Training Manual

Pros and Cons Skill: Cons

Within the Pros and Cons skill of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), evaluating the 'Pros' involves listing all the advantages and positive outcomes of a choice, action, or urge on a piece of paper. Practitioners should carefully consider the greatest benefits that will result from picking a particular action.

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