DisR Student DBT Validating Responses

A student says, "This is so unfair! You never listen to me!" Which is the most validating DBT response?

• "You always exaggerate. That's not true."

• "It sounds like you feel unheard and that's really frustrating."

• "Stop complaining and do your work."

A student yells, "I hate this class! It's stupid!" Which response is most validating?

• "I can see you're really upset about being here."

• "If you hate it, just leave."

• "That's a ridiculous thing to say."

A student mutters, "You don't care about us." Which is the correct validating response?

• "I hear that you feel like I don't care, and that must be hard."

• "That's not true, and you know it."

• "Don't be disrespectful."

A student refuses to participate and says, "Why should I? No one else does." Which is the best validating response?

• "I understand it feels pointless if others aren't participating."

• "That's not a good excuse."

• "Just do it or you'll get in trouble."

A student says, "You always pick on me!" Which response is validating?

• "It sounds like you feel singled out, and that's upsetting."

• "No, I don't. You're making that up."

• "Stop being so sensitive."

A student shouts, "I don't care what you say!" Which is the most validating response?

• "It seems like you're really frustrated right now."

• "Well, I don't care what you say either."

• "That's rude. Watch your mouth."

A student says, "This is too hard. I can't do it." Which is the correct validating response?

• "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed."

• "You're just being lazy."

• "Try harder."

A student says, "Nobody likes me here." Which response is validating?

• "It must feel really lonely to think that."

• "That's not true, stop being dramatic."

• "Maybe if you acted nicer, people would like you."

A student says, "Why do you always yell at me?" Which is the best validating response?

• "I hear that you feel like I'm always upset with you."

• "I don't always yell at you."

• "Maybe if you listened, I wouldn't have to."

A student says, "I don't want to do this assignment." Which is the most validating response?

• "It sounds like you're not interested in this assignment."

• "Too bad, you have to."

• "That's not an option."