DBT's overlap between emotion mind and reasonable mind
Wise Mind is DBT's name for the overlap of emotion mind and reasonable mind — the small oval where both agree. This worksheet takes one decision and runs it through all three.
Wise Mind is DBT's name for the overlap of Emotion Mind and Reasonable Mind — the small oval where feeling and reason agree. The worksheet takes one live decision and runs it through all three lenses. Emotion Mind: what the emotion wants, in its own words. Reasonable Mind: what the logic and evidence say. Wise Mind: what both would agree on if they slowed down long enough to talk. Plus a section for how the client will recognize Wise Mind in real time (body, tone, breath) — Wise Mind is a felt state, not a conclusion. The point is not to suppress Emotion Mind. It is to make room for both, so the decision the client makes is one they can defend to themselves a week later.
If the client writes the reasonable version of the emotion, Emotion Mind was skipped — start again.
It is the pole. Wise Mind is not Reasonable Mind — it is the overlap.
Most clients recognize Wise Mind as a settled feeling in the chest or a slower exhale. Naming their signal makes it findable next time.
The worksheet loses power if used on 'my life in general'. Specific decisions, specific overlap.
That's usually a sign that the emotion has information Reasonable Mind hasn't taken seriously yet. Slow down; re-listen to Emotion Mind.
Related but not identical. Intuition can come from either Emotion Mind or Wise Mind; the diagnostic is whether the felt-sense is settled or urgent.
Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.
Worksheet — Wise Mind Worksheet — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.