DBT for Private Practice 726031552.

rtf

Dealing with Feelings about Your Identity

Identify the emotion Example: Self-loathing

Personality or identity statements I’m a habitual liar. I can’t seem to

I’m making tell the truth to save my life. I want
to believe my lies so badly.

Question these statements I do lie frequently. I so badly want

other people’s approval and
acceptance. However, this is not a
personality thing. It’s a behavior—
the behavior of telling lies. I can
change my behavior. I was not born
with a “lie gene” that makes me
this way. I have control over this
behavior.

Practice desired identity statements I want to see myself as a person

who is connected and
compassionate to other people and
who encourages these interpersonal
connections by being honest and
trustworthy. I want to like myself
and my behavior. I want to trust in
myself.

Identify feelings I’ll have with
practice
As I tell the truth more often, I’ll
feel good about myself. There is
nothing wrong with wanting others
to like me, but I have to like myself
first. When I feel the impulse to lie,
I’m going to keep my mouth shut
and say over and over to myself, “I
am a trustworthy person. I’m
honest with myself. I like me.”

Identify the emotion

© Thomas Marra/New Harbinger Publications 2005

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DBT for Private Practice 726031552.rtf

Personality or identity
statements I’m making

Question these statements

Practice desired identity

statements

Identify feelings I’ll have with

practice

© Thomas Marra/New Harbinger Publications 2005

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