LibraryScenariosWhen DBT skills fail during a loved one's crisis
Scenario

When DBT skills fail during a loved one's crisis

I can use DBT skills for my own emotions but when my partner has a panic attack I freeze completely and feel like a terrible human being.

Patan
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Witnessing another person's emotional dysregulation can trigger such helplessness and terror that one's own coping resources become inaccessible.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with DBT for emotional dysregulation?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.