DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness Coping Statements

Interpersonal effectiveness coping statements, such as, “I can understand and validate another person, and still ask for what I want” and “I can’t change other’s actions or words, but I can choose how I respond” are helpful things you can tell yourself during interpersonal conflicts and disappointing situations. Repeating these validating statements can be challenging at first, but the more we practice them, the more we bring our authentic selves to our interpersonal relationships. The DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness Coping Statements handout presents various affirmations that clients can use during interpersonal conflicts. The affirmations are accompanied by visuals to make them more attractive and understandable. They can choose any coping statement that resonates with them depending on the situation they’re dealing with. Using interpersonal effectiveness coping statements promotes social awareness and a sense of validation for kids and teens who are having a difficult time. If your