What Is Distress Tolerance?
United States Department of Homeland Security
Key Points
- Distress tolerance means surviving the moment without making it worse.
- It is synonymous with damage control, containment, or harm reduction.
- The goal is short-term coping strategies.
- Turns unbearable pain into bearable pain.
- Its purpose is to make pain more manageable.
- Distress tolerance replaces impulsive, dangerous, addictive, or suicidal behaviors with more effective coping strategies.
- The purpose is to reduce a crisis orientation.
Materials Downloads
DBT for Trauma Online Training
Learn how to support clients struggling with trauma and complex trauma without reliance on traditional exposure methods.
Earn 9.25 CE Credits$297