15 Easy DBT Validation Group Activities

General Instructions for Therapists

As you guide clients through the “Validation” activities, the goal is to help them practice acknowledging and accepting the thoughts and feelings of others without judgment. Each activity will focus on recognizing and validating emotional experiences to strengthen interpersonal connections.

General Instructions for Clients

Today’s activities focus on practicing the “Validation” skill. The goal is to learn how to acknowledge and accept the thoughts and feelings of others without judging or dismissing them. These exercises will guide you through different ways to use validation to build trust and understanding in your relationships.

What is the Validation Skill in DBT?

Validation is the practice of acknowledging and accepting another person’s feelings, thoughts, or experiences as real and understandable, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. By validating others, you show that you respect their perspective and emotions, which can help reduce conflict and strengthen relationships.

15 Validation Skill Activities

Activity 1: Validating Without Agreeing

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating someone’s feelings without necessarily agreeing with their point of view. By acknowledging the other person’s emotions, clients can foster connection even during disagreements.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating someone’s feelings without having to agree with their perspective. The goal is to show understanding and acceptance of their emotions without debating their viewpoint.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent disagreement or conflict they had with someone. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the other person’s feelings without getting caught up in the disagreement.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you disagreed with someone, but they were clearly upset. Now, practice validating their feelings by acknowledging what they’re experiencing. You don’t have to agree with their point of view, but you can say something like, ‘I can see why you’re upset,’ or ‘It makes sense that you’d feel this way.’”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate someone’s feelings without agreeing with their perspective. The therapist encourages them to focus on empathy and understanding, rather than debating or trying to fix the situation.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating without agreeing. Did focusing on validation help them feel more connected and less defensive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s feelings without agreeing with their perspective? Did this practice help you feel more empathetic and less focused on the disagreement?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating someone’s feelings can help improve your relationships, even during conflicts. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you manage disagreements more effectively?”

Activity 2: Validating During Emotional Distress

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating someone’s feelings during times of emotional distress. By acknowledging and accepting their emotional state, clients can offer support without trying to fix or change the other person’s experience.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating someone’s feelings during emotional distress. The goal is to offer empathy and support by acknowledging their emotions, without trying to solve the problem.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone they cared about was upset. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the person’s feelings without trying to fix the situation or offer solutions.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone you cared about was really upset, and you wanted to help them feel better. Now, practice how you can validate their emotions by saying something like, ‘I can see that this is really hard for you,’ or ‘It’s okay to feel sad right now.’ Focus on acknowledging their feelings without offering advice or solutions.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate someone’s feelings during emotional distress. The therapist encourages them to focus on being present, offering empathy, and showing understanding through validating language.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating emotional distress. Did focusing on validation help them feel more connected and supportive, without the pressure to fix things?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s feelings during emotional distress? Did this practice help you feel more supportive and empathetic without needing to solve the problem?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating someone’s emotional experience can help them feel understood and supported. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you offer better support to loved ones during difficult times?”

Activity 3: Self-Validation in Difficult Situations

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice self-validation, recognizing and accepting their own emotions without judgment. Self-validation encourages emotional resilience by acknowledging personal feelings and experiences as valid.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on self-validation in difficult situations. The goal is to acknowledge and accept your own emotions as valid, without judging yourself.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent situation where they struggled with difficult emotions, such as feeling sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate their own feelings without self-criticism.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed or upset, and you were hard on yourself for feeling that way. Now, practice self-validation by acknowledging your emotions as real and understandable. For example, you might say to yourself, ‘It’s okay to feel sad right now,’ or ‘Anyone in my situation would feel frustrated.’ Focus on accepting your feelings without judgment.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing self-validation, focusing on accepting their emotions as valid. The therapist encourages them to avoid self-criticism and embrace self-compassion.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing self-validation. Did accepting their own emotions help them feel more compassionate toward themselves?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice self-validation? Did this practice help you feel more at peace with your emotions?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how self-validation can help you build emotional resilience. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you be kinder to yourself during difficult times?”

Activity 4: Validating Multiple Perspectives

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating multiple perspectives during a conversation, even when they differ from their own. By acknowledging the validity of another person’s experience, clients can strengthen their ability to see the world from different viewpoints.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating multiple perspectives. The goal is to recognize that different people can have different experiences and emotions, and all of them can be valid.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when they disagreed with someone but could still understand where the other person was coming from. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the other person’s perspective, even if they don’t fully agree.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you disagreed with someone but could understand their point of view. Now, practice validating their perspective by acknowledging their experience, even if you don’t agree. You might say something like, ‘I can see how you would feel that way,’ or ‘That makes sense, even though I feel differently.’ Focus on validating their feelings and perspective without dismissing your own.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate multiple perspectives in a conversation. The therapist encourages them to focus on empathy and understanding, while maintaining their own viewpoint.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating multiple perspectives. Did recognizing the validity of different perspectives help them feel more open and less defensive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate multiple perspectives in a conversation? Did this practice help you feel more empathetic and open-minded?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating multiple perspectives can improve communication and reduce conflict. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you build stronger and more empathetic relationships?”

Activity 5: Validating Emotions in Conflict

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating emotions during a conflict. By acknowledging the other person’s feelings, clients can reduce defensiveness and help resolve the conflict more constructively.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating emotions during conflict. The goal is to recognize and acknowledge the other person’s feelings, even when you’re upset or disagreeing with them.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent conflict or disagreement where emotions ran high. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the other person’s feelings during a conflict, even if they don’t agree with their perspective.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you had a disagreement and emotions ran high. Now, practice how you could have validated the other person’s feelings by saying things like, ‘I can see why you’re upset,’ or ‘It makes sense that you’re feeling frustrated.’ Focus on acknowledging their feelings, even if you don’t agree with what they’re saying.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate the other person’s emotions during a conflict. The therapist encourages them to focus on empathy, validation, and reducing defensiveness.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating emotions in conflict. Did acknowledging the other person’s feelings help them feel less defensive and more open to resolution?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone else’s emotions during a conflict? Did this practice help you feel more empathetic and less reactive?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating emotions during a conflict can help reduce tension and improve communication. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you resolve conflicts more peacefully?”

Activity 6: Validating Without Solving

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice offering validation without trying to solve the other person’s problem. The goal is to focus on being present and offering empathy, without jumping to solutions or advice.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating someone’s feelings without trying to solve their problem. The goal is to offer support through validation, not by giving advice.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone came to them with a problem, and they felt the urge to offer advice or fix the situation. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the person’s emotions without giving advice or offering solutions.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone shared their problems with you, and you wanted to jump in with advice or solutions. Now, practice how you can validate their feelings without trying to fix the situation. Focus on saying things like, ‘I understand why this is difficult for you,’ or ‘It makes sense that you’re feeling this way,’ and just being present without offering advice.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate without solving the problem. The therapist encourages them to focus on empathy and validation, rather than jumping to problem-solving.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validation without solving. Did focusing on validation help them feel more connected and supportive, without feeling the need to fix things?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to offer validation without trying to solve the problem? Did this practice help you feel more present and empathetic?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how offering validation without solutions can help others feel supported. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you improve your relationships by being more present and less focused on fixing problems?”

Activity 7: Practicing Validation in Positive Situations

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice offering validation not only during difficult times but also in positive situations. By acknowledging and celebrating positive emotions, clients can strengthen connections and support others in their happiness.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on practicing validation in positive situations. The goal is to validate someone’s positive emotions and celebrate their happiness or success.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone shared something positive with them, such as an accomplishment or joyful moment. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate and celebrate the other person’s happiness.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone shared something positive with you, like a success or happy moment. Now, practice how you can validate their positive emotions by saying things like, ‘I can see how proud you must be,’ or ‘You deserve to feel so happy about this.’ Focus on acknowledging their joy and celebrating with them.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate positive emotions. The therapist encourages them to focus on acknowledging the other person’s happiness and being present in their joy.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validation in positive situations. Did focusing on positive validation help them feel more connected and supportive during joyful moments?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s happiness or success? Did this practice help you feel more connected during positive moments?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how offering validation in positive situations can strengthen relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you build stronger connections by celebrating others’ happiness?”

Activity 8: Validating Non-Verbal Cues

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating others by recognizing and acknowledging non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. By tuning into these subtle signals, clients can show empathy and support without relying solely on words.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating non-verbal cues. The goal is to recognize and acknowledge the other person’s emotions through their body language and facial expressions.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone’s body language or facial expressions indicated they were feeling upset or uncomfortable, even if they didn’t say it out loud. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the person’s emotions based on non-verbal cues.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone didn’t say they were upset, but their body language or facial expressions showed it. Now, practice how you can validate their emotions by acknowledging what you see. You might say something like, ‘You seem a little down today,’ or ‘I notice that you seem tense.’ Focus on recognizing and validating their non-verbal cues.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate others based on non-verbal cues. The therapist encourages them to focus on being observant and using validation to acknowledge subtle emotional signals.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating non-verbal cues. Did recognizing and validating non-verbal signals help them feel more attuned to the other person’s emotions?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s emotions based on their body language or facial expressions? Did this practice help you feel more empathetic and observant?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating non-verbal cues can help you better understand and support others. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you connect with others on a deeper level by recognizing their unspoken emotions?”

Activity 9: Validation as a De-escalation Tool

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using validation as a tool to de-escalate tense or heated situations. By acknowledging the other person’s feelings, clients can help diffuse conflict and reduce defensiveness.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using validation as a tool for de-escalation. The goal is to acknowledge the other person’s feelings in order to help diffuse a tense or heated situation.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when a conversation became heated or tense. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how validating the other person’s emotions might have helped de-escalate the situation.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when a conversation became heated or tense. Now, practice how you could have used validation to acknowledge the other person’s feelings and help calm things down. You might say something like, ‘I can see that you’re really frustrated right now,’ or ‘It makes sense that you’re upset.’ Focus on validating their emotions in a way that helps de-escalate the conflict.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to use validation as a de-escalation tool. The therapist encourages them to focus on using empathy and validation to reduce tension and defensiveness.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validation as a de-escalation tool. Did focusing on validation help them feel more in control of the situation and less reactive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use validation to de-escalate a tense situation? Did this practice help you feel more calm and empathetic?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using validation as a de-escalation tool can help you manage conflict more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you reduce tension and improve communication during difficult conversations?”

Activity 10: Practicing Validation with Compassion

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice offering validation with compassion, focusing on acknowledging the other person’s emotions with kindness and care. The goal is to validate their feelings in a way that provides emotional support.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on practicing validation with compassion. The goal is to acknowledge the other person’s emotions in a kind and supportive way.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone close to them was struggling with difficult emotions. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the person’s feelings with kindness and empathy.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone close to you was going through something difficult. Now, practice how you can validate their emotions with compassion by saying things like, ‘I’m really sorry that you’re going through this,’ or ‘I’m here for you if you need anything.’ Focus on offering validation with care and kindness.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to offer validation with compassion. The therapist encourages them to focus on being kind, empathetic, and emotionally supportive during validation.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validation with compassion. Did offering validation in a compassionate way help them feel more connected and caring?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to offer validation with compassion? Did this practice help you feel more supportive and empathetic?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how practicing validation with compassion can help you provide emotional support to others. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you be a more supportive and caring friend or family member?”

Activity 11: Validating Yourself in Moments of Stress

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice self-validation in moments of stress or anxiety. By recognizing and accepting their own emotions, clients can reduce self-criticism and manage stress more effectively.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating yourself in moments of stress. The goal is to acknowledge your own emotions as valid, without judging yourself for feeling stressed or anxious.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent stressful situation where they felt overwhelmed. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate their own emotions without self-criticism.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you felt really stressed or overwhelmed. Now, practice self-validation by acknowledging your emotions as valid. For example, you might say to yourself, ‘It’s okay to feel stressed right now,’ or ‘Anyone in my situation would feel anxious.’ Focus on accepting your feelings without judgment.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing self-validation in moments of stress. The therapist encourages them to embrace self-compassion and avoid harsh self-criticism.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing self-validation during stress. Did accepting their emotions help them feel more at peace and less overwhelmed?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate yourself during a stressful moment? Did this practice help you feel more accepting of your emotions?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how self-validation can help you manage stress more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you reduce stress and be kinder to yourself during difficult times?”

Activity 12: Validating Others’ Vulnerability

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating others when they express vulnerability. By acknowledging the courage it takes for someone to open up, clients can offer support and strengthen trust in relationships.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating someone’s vulnerability. The goal is to acknowledge and appreciate the other person’s courage in opening up and sharing their feelings.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when someone opened up to them about something difficult or vulnerable. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the other person’s feelings and acknowledge their bravery in sharing.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone opened up to you and shared something difficult. Now, practice how you can validate their vulnerability by saying things like, ‘I really appreciate you sharing this with me,’ or ‘It takes a lot of courage to talk about this.’ Focus on acknowledging their bravery and validating their emotions.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate someone’s vulnerability. The therapist encourages them to focus on offering empathy and support while recognizing the importance of vulnerability in relationships.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating vulnerability. Did acknowledging the other person’s courage help them feel more connected and supportive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s vulnerability? Did this practice help you feel more empathetic and appreciative of their courage?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating vulnerability can strengthen trust and deepen relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you create a safe space for others to open up and share their feelings?”

Activity 13: Validating Opposing Views

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating opposing views during a conversation. By acknowledging the validity of someone else’s perspective, clients can foster understanding and reduce conflict, even when they don’t agree.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating someone’s opposing view. The goal is to acknowledge the other person’s perspective as valid, even if you don’t agree with it.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when they disagreed with someone’s opinion or point of view. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate the other person’s perspective without dismissing their own.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you disagreed with someone’s opinion. Now, practice validating their perspective by saying things like, ‘I understand why you might feel that way,’ or ‘Your viewpoint makes sense, even though I see things differently.’ Focus on acknowledging their feelings or beliefs without debating the issue.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate an opposing view. The therapist encourages them to focus on empathy and understanding, even when they don’t share the same perspective.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating an opposing view. Did acknowledging the other person’s perspective help them feel more open and less defensive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate someone’s opposing view? Did this practice help you feel more open to understanding different perspectives?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating opposing views can reduce conflict and improve communication. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you handle disagreements with more empathy and respect?”

Activity 14: Validating Yourself After Mistakes

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice self-validation after making a mistake. By recognizing that mistakes are part of being human, clients can reduce self-blame and build resilience through self-compassion.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating yourself after making a mistake. The goal is to acknowledge that mistakes happen and show yourself compassion instead of self-criticism.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent mistake they made, whether big or small. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can validate their own feelings and recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of life.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a mistake you made recently, and how you felt about it. Now, practice self-validation by acknowledging your feelings and reminding yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes. You might say to yourself, ‘Everyone makes mistakes,’ or ‘This is a learning opportunity.’ Focus on accepting your feelings without harsh self-criticism.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing self-validation after making a mistake. The therapist encourages them to embrace self-compassion and reduce self-blame.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing self-validation. Did accepting their mistake help them feel more at peace and less self-critical?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate yourself after making a mistake? Did this practice help you be kinder to yourself?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how self-validation can help you build resilience and move forward from mistakes. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you reduce self-criticism and be more compassionate toward yourself when things go wrong?”

Activity 15: Validating the Present Moment

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice validating the present moment by acknowledging their current emotions and experience without judgment. The focus is on accepting the present as it is, whether it’s comfortable or challenging.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on validating the present moment. The goal is to acknowledge and accept your current emotions and experience without judgment.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on their current emotional state or situation, whether they’re feeling content, stressed, or anything in between. Clients are encouraged to validate their emotions and accept the present moment without trying to change or escape it.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Take a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling right now. Whatever your emotional state, practice validating it by saying something like, ‘It’s okay to feel this way,’ or ‘This moment is what it is.’ Focus on accepting your experience without judgment or the need to change it.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to validate the present moment. The therapist encourages them to focus on accepting their current experience as valid, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing validating the present moment. Did accepting their current emotions help them feel more at peace with the moment?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to validate your emotions in the present moment? Did this practice help you feel more grounded and accepting of the experience?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how validating the present moment can help you reduce judgment and stay more grounded. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you feel more at peace with your current emotional experience?”