When clients don’t know how to talk about themselves, start here

Some clients don’t open up easily.

They give short answers.
Stay surface-level.
Or say “I don’t know” when you try to go deeper.

The DBT House is one of the simplest ways to help clients organize their inner world and start sharing in a way that feels safe and structured.

WHAT THIS HELPS WITH

Use this when:

👉 A client is guarded or unsure what to say
👉 You need a structured way to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences
👉 You’re early in treatment and building insight
👉 You want something visual and engaging (especially with teens or hesitant clients)

BEST FOR

• DBT-informed therapy
• Teens and adults who struggle to open up
• Early sessions and rapport building
• Clients who benefit from visual tools

WHY THERAPISTS USE THIS

Instead of asking direct questions that can feel overwhelming, the DBT House gives clients a framework.

It helps them:

• externalize their experiences
• reflect more easily
• share at their own pace

HOW THERAPISTS USE THIS IN SESSION

1. Introduce the DBT House during session and explain each section.
2. Invite the client to complete parts of the house together or between sessions.
3. Use the worksheet to guide deeper discussion about supports, challenges, and coping strategies.

WHAT’S YOU'LL GET

• DBT House worksheet (2 pages)
• Instructions for use

FEATURES 

• Instant download
• Printable PDF (US Letter + A4)

Use this in your next session

Especially helpful in early sessions when clients are still opening up.

Download immediately and start using with clients today.

*Therapists often pair this with these resources. 

Looking for more DBT therapy tools? Browse our DBT worksheets collection.