Dialectical behavior therapy / DBT-A08-1
Sensory Soothing by Preference — Concept brief
Understand the idea behind sensory soothing by preference and consider whether it fits your context.
8 minutes · Handout · Adults; supported use as appropriate
Fictional example: Taylor finds scented products unpleasant but likes a familiar sound.
Use an ordinary or fictional example, with a clinician when appropriate. Sensory strategies are personal and may not be accessible or soothing for everyone.
The idea
Sensory strategies are personal and may not be accessible or soothing for everyone.
An ordinary example
Taylor finds scented products unpleasant but likes a familiar sound.
What this can look like
Compare optional sights, sounds, textures, scents, or non-sensory alternatives; exclude any unwanted option.
Check the fit
What preference should the plan respect? You may disagree with the framing, use fiction, or decide that this approach is not useful today.
A useful distinction
Acceptance acknowledges the present; it does not endorse harm or remove the need for change.
Prompts for this resource
- What part of this idea makes sense to me?
- What preference should the plan respect?
Conceptual background
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training: Fundamentals — Behavioral Tech Institute
Background on the approach only. Original exercises and wording are by More Than Therapy with AI assistance; the source does not validate or endorse these materials.