Dialectical behavior therapy / DBT-A09-1
Pros and Cons at the Choice Point — Concept brief
Understand the idea behind pros and cons at the choice point and consider whether it fits your context.
8 minutes · Handout · Adults; supported use as appropriate
Fictional example: Taylor wants to abandon a difficult task and considers a brief support break.
Use an ordinary or fictional example, with a clinician when appropriate. Comparing options can include immediate and delayed consequences.
The idea
Comparing options can include immediate and delayed consequences.
An ordinary example
Taylor wants to abandon a difficult task and considers a brief support break.
What this can look like
Create a four-part comparison of acting on an urge or using an alternative, without shaming the urge.
Check the fit
Which consequence matters most at this choice point? 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?
- Which consequence matters most at this choice point?
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.