The Behavior Chain Analysis Tool is used many times throughout the DBT treatment. It can feel overwhelming to some and it is designed to help the client and therapist both understand all the surrounding elements that cause problematic behavior.
- Problematic Behaviors can be:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Cutting/Self Harm
- Eating Issues
- Not Taking Medication
- Missing Sessions/Canceling/Showing up late
- Skipping School
- Dating Issues
- Disassociating
- Avoiding
- Fighting
- Not using skills or asking for help
This tool can be used in or out of therapy. It is a tool that the more you observe the more you an understand what you do and do not have control over. You also get to see what progress you have made and where you would like to put more of a focus on in your therapy sessions.
TOOLS for DBT: BEHAVIOR CHAIN ANALYSIS (Questions)
What exactly is the behavior you want to change and analyze?
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What prompting event/trigger started this behavior?
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What were some of the thought/s you were having before/during/after the event? (Thoughts about yourself, others etc.)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What body sensations did you have before/during/after the event? (numb, quick breath, heart pounding)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What emotions did you have before/during/after the event? (angry, frustrated, sadness, fearful)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What were some of the Short-Term Relief or Benefits of the Target Behavior? (Mom and dad give me attention, I feel alive, I feels like it solves the problem)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What are some Long-Term Consequences from the Target Behavior? (Phone gets taken away, I am hospitalized, it keeps me from having health relationships)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
What things happened that day that caused you to be Vulnerable to this even? (Didn’t sleep well, got in a fight earlier that day, out of routine, felt terrible, around family that feels triggering)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Looking back what skills do you think you used and what do you want to use next time? …………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Are there any repairs I need to make? …………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Middle Path Counseling MO 