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DBT · Behavior Analysis

Behavior Chain Worksheet

Shorter chain format tuned for weekly repeated behaviors

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A shorter behavior-chain format for repeated behaviors — self-harm, binge, purge, use, outburst. Same logic as chain analysis, tuned for weekly repetition.

Time
Trigger
Body / feeling
Thought
Action taken
What the behavior gave me short-term
What it cost long-term
Earliest link I could catch next time
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About this worksheet

A shorter behavior-chain format tuned for weekly-repeating behaviors — self-harm, binge, purge, use, outbursts — where the full DBT chain analysis is too long for between-session use. The worksheet is a six-row time-based grid: time, trigger, body/feeling, thought, action taken. Below the grid: what the behavior delivered short-term, what it cost long-term, and the earliest link the client could catch next time. The clinical purpose is the same as the full chain analysis — architecture, not punishment — but shorter form makes it usable as weekly homework where the full chain does not.

When to use it

  • Weekly homework for repeated self-harm, binge/purge, use, or outbursts.
  • IOP and PHP tracking.
  • Between full chain analyses in DBT — where the full sheet is too much for every occurrence.
  • Skills coaching prep — client and therapist review recent chains together.

How to use it

  1. 1
    One behavior instance per grid

    The grid is not a weekly summary. Each row is one time-slice inside one episode.

  2. 2
    Body and thought both

    Naming both surfaces which is the more available intervention target for that client — some are body-first, some thought-first.

  3. 3
    Short-term gain is honest, not shameful

    The behavior gave the client something real. Naming what protects the practice from denial.

  4. 4
    Earliest catchable link

    The link the client could realistically catch — not the earliest theoretical link. Realism matters.

Frequently asked questions

When to use full chain analysis vs. this shorter form?+

Full chain analysis after any high-cost episode or first occurrence of a behavior; this shorter form for ongoing weekly repetition.

Can this replace chain analysis in DBT?+

No — it complements. The full chain remains the standard after high-stakes episodes.

Is this worksheet free?+

Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.

Worksheet — Behavior Chain Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.