A comprehensive multi-age Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training curriculum. Includes a 16-week master curriculum for middle schoolers (ages 12-14, 2-hour sessions) and an 8-week 'Greatest Hits' curriculum for children (ages 8-11, 1.5-hour sessions) with in-person and online adaptation tracks.
Mindfulness is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger your Mind Shield becomes. Try to anchor yourself in Wise Mind once a day. Color in the shield segment for each day you practice!
Mon
Anchor
Tue
Anchor
Wed
Anchor
Thu
Anchor
Fri
Anchor
Sat
Anchor
Sun
Anchor
Weekly Reflection Journal
What is the most useful mindfulness skill you discovered this week, and how can you use it during school stressors?
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
one-mindfully
effectively
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Chart 3
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 2
DBT Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 7: Distracting with ACCEPTS
Session 7/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify adaptive distraction strategies to prevent impulsive actions during distress.
Design a personalized ACCEPTS kit targeting specific areas of attention.
Group practice constructing distraction cards for specific hypothetical crises.
4. Group Game: Mind Puzzles (30 mins)
1:30 - 2:00
Lead a fast round of riddles to demonstrate the "Thoughts" skill.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Emotions" distraction online, have students submit safe YouTube links of funny or soothing clips. Share your screen to watch the top 3 chosen clips together. For "Thoughts", use interactive online trivia or collaborative puzzles (like Skribbl.io) as the attention-shifting event.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 3
DBT Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 8: Self-Soothing & Acceptance
Session 8/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Practice soothing emotional pain through intentional sensory comfort (Self-Soothing).
Understand Radical Acceptance as a tool to end fighting reality and start moving forward.
Self-soothing with 5 senses, and Radical Acceptance: Pain + Resistance = Suffering.
3. Experiential Activity: The Acceptance Challenge (40 mins)
0:50 - 1:30
Practice radical acceptance scripts: "This sucks, but fighting it won't change reality."
4. Box Planning & Module Debrief (30 mins)
1:30 - 2:00
Draft Self-Soothe Kits. Celebrate completing the module.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Self-Soothing" online, run a virtual show-and-tell. Have students walk away from their screen for 60 seconds to bring back one object in their home that provides comfort to their senses (a soft blanket, a scented candle, or a favorite mug) and explain its effect.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
E • Emotions Create a different feeling (sad? listen to high-energy pop)
P • Pushing Away Box the issue up in your mind; schedule stress time later
T • Thoughts Brain puzzles (counting backward by 7s, spelling games)
Fighting reality (whining "it's not fair!", getting stuck in anger, ignoring facts) doesn't fix anything. It just turns pain into suffering. Use Radical Acceptance to unlock the path forward.
Friction: Your best friend cancelled plans right before they were supposed to meet you.
Non-Accepting Reaction:
"This is ruined! They do this on purpose! I'm block-messaging them!"
Track 3 times you hit high stress this week and successfully used a skill.
STOP TIPP ACCEPTS
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
C
Comparisons
Reflect on hard times you survived before. Realize: "I can face this too."
E
Emotions
Watch a comedy, read a joke, or blast high-vibe music to change input.
P
Pushing Away
Gently pack the issue into a mental box. Schedule 15 minutes to look at it later.
T
Thoughts
Crowd out negative noise with puzzles, trivia, reading, or counting by 7s.
S
Sensations
Squeeze a sensory ball, bite a slice of lemon, or take a hot shower. Block negative internal cycles with vivid external sensory input.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Chart 3
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DBT Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 11: Applying Opposite Action
Session 11/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Recognize when emotional impulses are ineffective or unjustified.
Apply opposite behaviors for fear, anger, and shame to de-escalate brain loops.
1. Somatic Open & Fact Review (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Open with 3 minutes of deep breathing.
2. Skill Teach: Opposite Action (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Doing the *opposite action* forces the brain to reboot: Fear ➔ Approach; Anger ➔ Walk away softly; Sadness ➔ Participate.
3. Activity: The Opposite Action Game (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Students stand on cards, act out a reactive urge, yell "REBOOT!" and immediately model the Opposite Action.
4. Action Blueprinting (25 mins)
1:35 - 2:00
Review the opposite action planner in workbook.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Opposite Action Game" online, use Zoom reaction button triggers. Read a scenario (e.g., "Your friend cancels plans"). Have students turn their cameras *off* (representing isolation), yell "REBOOT!", turn cameras *on* with a smile, and wave in front of the screen (representing participation).
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 3
DBT Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 12: Building Positive Fuel
Session 12/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify short-term positive events that can be integrated daily.
Build long-term positive resilience by setting values-based micro-goals.
1. Group Welcome & Check-in (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Discuss Opposite Action. Reiterate that it feels weird at first.
2. Skill Teach: Emotional Fuel Banks (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Accumulate Positive Fuel in short-term (simple daily actions) and long-term (values-based goals).
3. Activity: The Mind Shield Fuel Station (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Students write 5 zero-cost positive actions on cards, creating a collective "Fuel Menu."
4. Module Debrief & Graduation (25 mins)
1:35 - 2:00
Prepare for final Interpersonal Effectiveness module.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Fuel Station" online, set up a collaborative digital board (like Padlet or Miro). Have students drop digital sticky notes with links to their favorite animal photos, short funny videos, or calming songs. This forms an interactive, clickable virtual "Soothe Station" they can save as a bookmark.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
The Mind Shield Fuel Station
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
If you operate on an empty emotional battery, you'll burn out at the slightest spark. We must accumulate Positive Fuel daily. Set up your personal refueling menu below.
Your Short-Term Positive Refuel Menu: Write down 4 simple, fun, or relaxing things you can do daily that require zero money:
Your Values-Based Resilience Plan: Identify 2 core values (e.g., friendship, learning, physical health) and a tiny step toward them:
Value 1 & Tiny Action:
Value 2 & Tiny Action:
Daily Refueling Tracker:
Tick off the days you successfully executed a positive fuel or opposite action. Target: 4+ days
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
Challenge: Re-boot unjustified feeling loops by doing the exact opposite.
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Session 15/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify situations where people-pleasing compromises self-respect and boundaries.
Apply FAST skills (Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful) during peer pressure.
1. Welcome & Friend-Validation Share (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Discuss validation logs. Notice drops in defensive responses.
2. Skill Teach: FAST Boundaries (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Explain FAST: Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful.
3. Activity: The No-Apology Boundary Challenge (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Students practice saying "no" without saying "I'm sorry" (e.g., peer pressure to skip or cheat).
4. Action Plan Preparation (25 mins)
1:35 - 2:00
Complete FAST Self-Respect Audits.
Virtual Delivery Hack
FAST applies heavily to online boundaries (social media pressure, group chats). Set up a virtual "Guilt-Free Boundary Sandbox" where students practice typing apology-free "no" statements to invasive online requests: "No, I'm not comfortable sharing my homework" (with zero sorrys).
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 3
DBT Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 16: Complete Mind Shield Graduation
Session 16/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Synthesize Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills.
Establish a sustainable post-curriculum daily mental wellness routine.
1. Welcome & Graduation Briefing (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Brief students on today's Grand Crucible Challenge.
2. Active Challenge: The Mind Shield Grand Crucible (60 mins)
0:15 - 1:15
Three-stage final team challenge: Stage 1: STOP & TIPP; Stage 2: Check the Facts; Stage 3: Boundary Battle.
3. Reflection & Graduation Ritual (30 mins)
1:15 - 1:45
Share primary takeaway and deliver graduation certificates.
4. Life Plan Mapping (15 mins)
1:45 - 2:00
Establish daily mental routines in workbook.
Virtual Delivery Hack
Deliver digital graduation certificates via PDF or email as "Virtual Badges." Share your screen and run a closing "Mind Shield Gallery Walk" where each student screenshots their self-signed, screenshared graduation plaque.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
"Haha, yeah I guess they are kind of annoying, I'm sorry, I won't talk to them..."
Truthful FAST Reply (Fair to Self and Others):
List 2 of your personal non-negotiable moral values: (e.g., honesty, inclusion, keeping my word, protect my physical health)
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 3
DBT Mind Shield • Graduation
Your Daily Practice Shield
Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Congratulations! You have completed the 16-Week DBT Mind Shield program. You now possess the foundational tools to navigate high-heat moments. Let's create your long-term daily reinforcement layout.
Morning Fuel Station (Check-in) Choose 1 brief mindfulness anchor:
School/Peer Stressors (Defense Shield) Which distress tolerance or boundaries skill is your primary shield?
Evening Reset (Recharging) What positive refueling menu item will you execute daily?
MIND SHIELD DECREE
MODULES FULLY SECURED
"I have successfully mapped the core elements of DBT. I promise to deploy my **STOP** shield, practice **Wise Mind**, and maintain my **FAST** self-respect code."
Graduate Signature
Facilitator Signature
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Page 4
How to safeguard your boundaries, moral values, and self-respect
F
Be Fair
Be fair to yourself AND the other person. Balance their wishes with your own baseline wellness. No taking advantage, but no getting run over.
A
Apology-Free
Do not apologize for existing, saying "no," or holding a boundary. Stop saying "I'm sorry" when you have done nothing morally wrong.
S
Stick to Values
Never compromise your personal moral code, safety, or core values to please peers, fit in, or avoid a temporary awkward moment.
T
Be Truthful
No lies, excuses, helper-stories, or exaggerations. State facts as they are. Own your voice without constructing protective fibs.
To maintain your self-respect: do it fairly, say it apology-free, stand firm in your values, and speak truthfully.
DBT Mind Shield Curriculum • Ages 12-14 Chart 3
Graduation Challenge: Keep your self-respect shield active forever!
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Virtual Delivery Directions
Online Option: Instruct students to turn on camera "Self-View." Have them hold an imaginary lemon in front of their webcam. Count to 5 together as they make a "super sour face" (squeezing muscles), then yell "JUICE!" as they relax their face and hands.
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Ages 8-11 Page 2
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Facilitator Guide
Weeks 5-6: Decoding & Rebooting
Weeks 5-6 of 8 • 90 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify feelings as "weather patterns" that pass through our bodies.
Apply "Opposite Action" (the reboot switch) to de-escalate fear, anger, or sadness.
1. Turtle Practice Check-in (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Celebrate kids who successfully did a Turtle STOP during the week.
Explain feelings are weather: rain (sadness), storm (anger), wind (fear). Introduce Opposite Action as a "Reboot Switch." If sad: move around and sing. If angry: open hands and whisper.
3. Play Activity: The Weather Reboot (30 mins)
0:45 - 1:15
Scream "RAINstorm!" Kids slump. Yell "REBOOT!" Kids immediately stand, smile, and dance around. Repeat with different weather prompts.
Virtual Delivery Directions
Online Option: During "Weather Reboot", have students turn off their camera for 10 seconds to represent hiding/weather. Yell "REBOOT!" on the main audio. Students must instantly switch their cameras on with a funny pose or smile.
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Ages 8-11 Page 3
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Facilitator Guide
Weeks 7-8: Friendship & Graduation
Weeks 7-8 of 8 • 90 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Construct polite and clear request scripts (Junior DEAR MAN) to communicate needs.
Establish an ongoing home/school Mind Shield practice routine.
1. Welcome & Social Checks (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Discuss weather reboots. Connect to friend arguments.
2. Skill Teach: Asking & Saying No (30 mins)
0:15 - 0:45
Introduce "Polite Asking": State facts ➔ Say how you feel ➔ Ask nicely. Introduce "Apology-free No" (no whining, just "I can't share right now").
3. Grand Crucible Quest & Graduation (45 mins)
0:45 - 1:30
Run an interactive "Shield Test." Kids demonstrate Wise Owl focus, Turtle STOP, and Polite Asking. Award the Junior Mind Armor Diploma!
Virtual Delivery Directions
Online Option: Email parent coordinators a PDF "Diploma badge" ahead of class. During the virtual graduation, have parents physically hand the diploma to their child in front of the webcam while you play fanfares over Zoom audio.
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Ages 8-11 Page 4
Date: _________________
Connecting with friends requires a strong shield. To ask for things politely without screaming, follow the Junior Ask Formula: Facts ➔ My Feeling ➔ Ask nicely. Write your script below!
The Polite Request Builder Write a script asking a peer to stop cutting in front of you in the lunch line:
Facts: "You cut in line..."
My Feelings: "I feel frustrated when..."
My Ask: "Please return to your spot..."
Your Weekly Knight Star practice log
Color in a star for each day you practice your Wise Owl focus or Turtle STOP shield!
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
DBT Junior Mind Armor • Ages 8-11 Page 4
Virtual Delivery Hack
Ask virtual teens to bring an ice pack or bag of frozen food from their freezer. Lead a 3-minute camera-on TIPP challenge where students press the ice against their wrists or foreheads while you screen-share a slow breathing animation.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 2
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Weeks 9-12: The Courtroom of the Mind
Weeks 9-12 of 16 • 120 Mins
Advanced Learning Objectives:
Deconstruct emotional stories into neutral, court-admissible facts.
Construct opposite action sequences for complex shame, fear, and sadness triggers.
1. Welcome & Diagnostic Review (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Review somatic logs. Address how they noticed high emotional energy loops.
2. Skill Teach: Fact vs. Story Courtroom (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Explain how the mind constructs stories (mind-reading, catastrophic predictions) to match fear. Introduce court-admissible fact checks: "What is the evidence?"
3. Activity: Cross-Examination (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Pair students up. Have them choose a real stress scenario (e.g., failed test, friend text drama). Partner plays "Prosecuting Attorney," cross-examining every assumption until only cold facts remain.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Cross-Examination" online, set up Zoom Breakout Rooms. Give each room a shared Google Doc "evidence blackboard." Have them outline the "Accusation Story" and the "Verified Facts" column in real-time collaboration.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Weeks 13-16: Advanced Boundaries & FAST
Weeks 13-16 of 16 • 120 Mins
Advanced Learning Objectives:
Construct high-stakes request scripts (DEAR MAN) for parents, teachers, or employers.
Apply FAST self-respect boundaries to prevent toxic relationship compliance.
1. Welcome & Boundary Audits (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Check logs, celebrate small opposite action wins from last module.
2. Skill Teach: Advanced DEAR MAN & FAST (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Map assertiveness: how to ask an employer for time off or say no to a friend. Teach FAST boundaries: Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful.
3. Active Crucible Challenge & Graduation (50 mins)
0:50 - 1:40
Run "The Boundary Crucible." Students must negotiate high-stakes scenarios (e.g., resisting peer-pressured vaping, asking parent for curfew adjustments) on a countdown timer.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Crucible" online, have students use Zoom private messaging to "guilt-trip" or peer pressure a designated target student. The target student must stand firm and type apology-free, factual boundary replies in the main chat room.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
My Name: _________________
Date: _________________
At this stage, you are negotiating boundaries with parents, peers, teachers, and employers. Use DEAR MAN to request changes effectively, and apply FAST boundary codes to preserve your self-respect apology-free.
Scenario A: Asking a Part-Time Job Supervisor to adjust your schedule for exams. Draft an assertive DEAR MAN request (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce):
Scenario B: Saying "No" to a friend pressuring you to let them copy your final essay. Draft an apology-free FAST boundary code (Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful):
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
Stop saying "I'm sorry" for saying no, holding a baseline boundaries list, or existing. Save apologies for when you have actually committed an error.
S
Stick to Values
Never compromise your personal moral code, safety rules, or core identity values to fit in, keep a toxic friend, or avoid awkward tension. Stand firm.
T
Be Truthful
No lies, complex cover stories, helper excuses, or protective exaggerations. Speak raw facts. Own your boundaries with straightforward clarity.
FAST protects your self-esteem. You are the author of your limits.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
Virtual Delivery Hack
Ask virtual teens to bring a frozen water bottle or gel pack from their freezer. Conduct a camera-on TIPP challenge where they press the cold pack against their cheeks/wrists while following a screen-shared breathing guide.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 2
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 7: Advanced ACCEPTS Distractions
Session 7/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Construct a high-stimulus ACCEPTS distraction plan to block high-heat emotional rumination.
Understand the difference between productive distraction and avoidance escaping.
1. Welcome & TIPP Feedback (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Review somatic logs. Address any resistance or discomfort teens felt during the icy resets.
Explain how the mind cannot process two strong inputs simultaneously. Distracting with ACCEPTS (Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing away, Thoughts, Sensations) is a planned, strategic pause.
3. Activity: The High-Heat Escape Plan (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Give students scenario cards of massive high school triggers (e.g., failed final exam). Have them map out exactly 3 ACCEPTS tools they will immediately execute to distract their attention safely.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Emotions" online, have students compile a list of safe funny/shocking YouTube or TikTok links. Share your screen to watch the top 3 together to demonstrate altering emotional resonance in real-time.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 8: Radical Acceptance
Session 8/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between painful events and optional suffering.
Construct a Radical Acceptance script for high-stakes, unchangeable stressors.
1. Welcome & ACCEPTS Review (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Review weekly distraction trackers, checking for effectiveness.
Teach that fighting reality (saying "it's not fair!", getting stuck in rage) does not fix anything. It multiplies pain into suffering. Radical Acceptance means accepting reality fully so we can choose our next move.
3. Activity: The Reality Script (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Provide unchangeable teen scenario cards (e.g., boyfriend breaks up with you). Teens construct explicit radical acceptance scripts: "This is painful, but fighting it won't change history. I choose to accept it."
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Radical Acceptance" online, set up a Zoom breakout session where students read raw resistance thoughts aloud and their partners help them "reboot" the scripts into complete, radical acceptance statements.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
P • Pushing Away Postpone stress (box the issue; set a 15-min worry timer later)
T • Thoughts Cognitive load (sudoku, visual riddles, counting backward by 7)
Fighting reality (crying "this isn't fair!", refusing to study, holding rage) cannot alter history. It only turns inevitable pain into optional suffering. Use Radical Acceptance to clear the field.
Friction: Your relationship of 6 months has ended abruptly.
Non-Accepting Loop (Suffering):
"This cannot happen! I must text them repeatedly, spam their feed, and refuse to exist!"
Radical Acceptance Response:
Friction: Your college of first choice has rejected your application.
Non-Accepting Loop (Suffering):
"The system is rigged! I'm completely quitting senior year and staying in bed forever!"
Radical Acceptance Response:
Distress Reset Weekly Log:
Track 3 times you hit high stress this week and successfully used a skill.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
2. Script Acceptance
Say: "This is what has occurred. The situation is painful, but fighting it won't change history. I accept it."
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 2
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 11: Opposite Action Override
Session 11/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify when emotional impulses are unjustified by facts.
Apply opposite actions for fear, anger, sadness, and shame to de-escalate loop reactions.
2. Skill Teach: The Opposite Action Matrix (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
If an emotional urge is unjustified, doing the *opposite action* forces the brain to reboot. Map the matrix: Fear ➔ Approach; Anger ➔ Walk away gently; Sadness ➔ Participate; Shame ➔ Speak out.
3. Activity: Camera Action Reboot (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Teens play a quick physical-reaction game where they model unjustified emotional urges (slumping, clenching fists), yell "REBOOT!", and instantly switch to the exact opposite body stance.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Reboot" online, have students turn off their camera to represent isolation (Sadness urge). Yell "REBOOT!" on the main audio. Students must instantly switch their cameras on with a funny pose or smile (Participation opposite).
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 12: Building Resilience Fuel
Session 12/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify short-term positive events that can be integrated daily.
Build long-term resilience by setting values-based micro-goals.
1. Welcome & Opposite Action Check (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Review opposite action logs. Celebrate micro-victories in social situations.
2. Skill Teach: Emotional Fuel Banks (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
If your emotional battery is empty, any stressor can blow the circuit. We must accumulate positive fuel: Short-term (simple daily fun) and Long-term (values alignment).
3. Activity: Teen Resilience Station (45 mins)
0:50 - 1:35
Students write down 5 zero-cost positive actions on note cards. Collect and stick them on the board as a group "Fuel Menu." Have them copy these into their workbooks.
Virtual Delivery Hack
For "Fuel Station" online, set up a collaborative Padlet board. Have students drop digital sticky notes with links to favorite funny videos, calm songs, or safe memes. This forms a permanent, bookmarkable digital "Soothe Sandbox."
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
My Name: _________________
Date: _________________
If you operate on an empty emotional battery, you will blow a cognitive circuit at the slightest spark. We must accumulate Positive Fuel daily. Set up your personal refueling menu below.
Your Short-Term Positive Refuel Menu: Write down 4 simple, fun, or relaxing things you can do daily that require zero money:
Your Values-Based Resilience Plan: Identify 2 core values (e.g., friendship, learning, physical health) and a tiny step toward them:
Value 1 & Tiny Action:
Value 2 & Tiny Action:
Daily Refueling Tracker:
Tick off the days you successfully executed a positive fuel or opposite action. Target: 4+ days
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
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DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 2
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 15: Safeguarding Self-Respect
Session 15/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Identify situations where people-pleasing compromises moral values or self-respect.
Apply FAST skills (Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful) during peer pressure.
1. Welcome & GIVE Check (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Discuss homework validations. Note how validating reduced conflict heat.
2. Skill Teach: FAST self-respect boundaries (35 mins)
0:15 - 0:50
Apologizing for boundaries leaks self-respect. Teach FAST: Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful. State facts as they are, with zero sorrys.
Teens practice saying "no" to aggressive situations (coping homework, leaving others out) without apologizing. Partner attempts to guilt-trip them; the student stands firm using FAST.
Virtual Delivery Hack
FAST applies heavily to online boundaries (social media pressure, group chats). Set up a virtual "Guilt-Free Boundary Sandbox" where students practice typing apology-free "no" statements to invasive online requests: "No, I'm not comfortable sharing my homework" (with zero sorrys).
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Facilitator Guide
Week 16: System Graduation
Session 16/16 • 120 Mins
Learning Objectives:
Synthesize Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Establish an ongoing home/school daily practice schedule.
1. Welcome & Crucible Briefing (15 mins)
0:00 - 0:15
Brief students on today's Grand Crucible Challenge. Celebrate reaching the final week.
2. Active Challenge: Grand Crucible Quest (60 mins)
0:15 - 1:15
Run a three-stage challenge combining all skills: Stage 1: TIPP vagus reset; Stage 2: Courtroom fact-checks; Stage 3: Boundary negotiation.
3. Reflection & Graduation Ritual (45 mins)
1:15 - 2:00
Convene in final group circle. Each teen shares their primary life takeaway or core skill. Deliver diplomas or DBT badges.
Virtual Delivery Hack
Deliver digital graduation certificates via PDF or email as "Virtual Badges." Share your screen and run a closing "Mind Shield Gallery Walk" where each student screenshots their self-signed, screenshared graduation plaque.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
"Haha, yeah I guess I'll just take a little hit, sorry I'm kind of nervous..."
Truthful FAST Reply (Fair to Self & Values):
List 2 of your personal non-negotiable moral values: (e.g., academic honesty, inclusion, keeping my word, protect my physical health)
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
Teen Mind Shield • Graduation
Your Daily Practice Shield
My Name: _________________
Date: _________________
Congratulations! You have completed the 16-Week DBT Teen Mind Shield program. You possess the foundational tools to navigate high-heat moments. Let's create your long-term daily practice schedule.
Morning Refuel Station (Calibration) Choose 1 brief mindfulness anchor:
School/Peer Stressors (Defense Shield) Which distress tolerance or boundary code is your primary shield?
Evening Reset (Recharging) What positive refueling menu item will you execute daily?
TEEN MIND SHIELD DECREE
MODULES FULLY SECURED
"I have successfully mapped the core elements of DBT. I promise to deploy my **STOP** shield, practice **Wise Mind**, and maintain my **FAST** self-respect code apology-free."
Graduate Signature
Facilitator Signature
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 4
THE "F.A.S.T." BOUNDARIES
Never compromise your core values, moral integrity, or self-respect to appease peers
F
Be Fair
Be fair to yourself AND the other person. Balance their wishes with your baseline health. No taking advantage, but no getting run over.
A
No Apologies
Stop saying "I'm sorry" for saying no, holding a baseline boundaries list, or existing. Save apologies for when you have actually committed an error.
S
Stick to Values
Never compromise your personal moral code, safety rules, or core identity values to fit in, keep a toxic friend, or avoid awkward tension. Stand firm.
T
Be Truthful
No lies, complex cover stories, helper excuses, or protective exaggerations. Speak raw facts. Own your boundaries with straightforward clarity.
DBT Teen Mind Shield • Ages 15-17 Page 3
"Your Mind Shield is fully secured. Stand firm in your baseline self-respect code apology-free."
Graduation Ceremony: Email your digital Mind Shield badge plaque to save as a bookmark!
