DBT Skills in Elementary Schools
Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving in Grades K-5 (DBT STEPS-E)
James J. Mazza, Elizabeth T. Dexter-Mazza, Jill H. Rathus, and Alec L. Miller
Foreword by Shannon M. Suldo

1. What Is DBT Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving in Elementary Schools (DBT
STEPS-E)?
2. Need for a Downward Extension to Elementary Grades
II. Implementation of DBT STEPS-E
3. Overview of the DBT STEPS-E Curricula: Skill Modules and Specific Skills
4. Implementation Issues, Adaptations, and the School Environment
5. Feedback from the Field
III. Lesson Plans and Handouts for Grades K–2
- Lesson 1. Orientation
- Lesson 2. Both Sides Thinking
- Lesson 3. “How-To” Guide for Both Sides Thinking
- Lesson 4. Understanding How Emotions Work
- Lesson 5. Mindfulness: Finding Wise Mind
- Lesson 6. Mindfulness: “What” Skills
- Lesson 7. Don’t Make It Worse: Introduction to Don’t Make It Worse Skills and SEA
- Lesson 8. Don’t Make It Worse: CAP Skills for Managing Strong Emotions
- Lesson 9. Emotion Regulation: Overview and Check the Facts
- Lesson 10. Emotion Regulation: Opposite Action to Change Emotions
- Lesson 11. Interpersonal Effectiveness: DEAR Skills (Objective Effectiveness)
- Lesson 12. Interpersonal Effectiveness: FACE Skills (Self-Respect Effectiveness)
Student Handouts and Activity Sheets for Grades K–2
IV. Lesson Plans and Handouts for Grades 3-5
DBT STEPS-E Skills Daily Diary Card
- Lesson 1. Orientation
- Lesson 2. Both Sides Thinking
- Lesson 3. “How To” Guide for Both Sides Thinking
- Lesson 4. Understanding How Emotions Work
- Lesson 5. Mindfulness: Finding Wise Mind
- Lesson 6. Mindfulness: “What” Skills
- Lesson 7. Mindfulness: “How” Skills
- Lesson 8. Distress Tolerance: Introduction to Distress Tolerance Skills and SEAT
- Lesson 9. Distress Tolerance: CAP Skills for Managing Strong Emotions
- Lesson 10. Distress Tolerance: Thinking of Pros and Cons
- Lesson 11. Emotion Regulation: Overview and Check the Facts
- Lesson 12. Emotion Regulation: Opposite Action to Change Emotions
- Lesson 13. Emotion Regulation: Wave Skill (Mindfulness of Current Emotion)
- Lesson 14. Interpersonal Effectiveness: DEAR Skills (Objective Effectiveness)
- Lesson 15. Interpersonal Effectiveness: GIVE Skills (Relationship Effectiveness)
- Lesson 16. Interpersonal Effectiveness: FACE Skills (Self-Respect Effectiveness)
Student Handouts and Activity Sheets for Grades 3–5
References
Index











