G.I.V.E - A DBT Skill

The G.I.V.E DBT Skill is all about creating and maintaining healthy, positive relationships. It encourages you to treat others with care and respect while also staying true to yourself. Whether you’re making a request or setting a boundary, the G.I.V.E DBT Skill helps you navigate these conversations in a way that fosters connection and understanding.

G.I.V.E stands for (Be) Gentle, (Act) Interested, Validate, and (Use an) Easy manner. Being gentle means speaking calmly and respectfully, without sarcasm or harshness. It’s about staying engaged, even if the conversation gets uncomfortable, and avoiding blame or judgment. Acting interested is just as important—listen closely and show you care about what the other person is saying, even if it’s not your favorite topic.

Validation is key to making the other person feel heard. You don’t have to agree with everything, but by acknowledging their feelings and perspectives, you help build trust. Lastly, using an easy manner means keeping things friendly and relaxed, even when the conversation might be difficult.

By using the G.I.V.E DBT Skill, you can strengthen your relationships and feel good about how you interact with others. It’s all about kindness, care, and understanding.