15 Easy DBT Building Bridges Group Activities

Last updated Nov 9, 2024

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General Instructions for Therapists

As you guide clients through these Building Bridges activities, the goal is to help them rebuild or strengthen relationships and connections that support their well-being. Whether it’s restoring a relationship with a loved one, reconnecting with healthy habits, or building a stronger relationship with themselves, the focus is on creating positive connections that contribute to growth and healing.

In group settings, remind participants that these activities are about fostering support, trust, and understanding—whether in personal relationships or in building healthier habits within themselves.

General Instructions for Clients

Today’s activities focus on Building Bridges, which means strengthening or creating new connections with people, habits, or positive patterns in your life. Whether it’s reconnecting with a friend or loved one, or building healthier routines for yourself, the goal is to create bridges that support your growth and happiness.

These exercises will help you identify which relationships or habits need strengthening and give you practical steps to rebuild those connections. After each exercise, we’ll reflect on how it felt to focus on positive reconnection and how it can benefit you moving forward.

What is the Building Bridges Skill in DBT?

The Building Bridges skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) involves restoring or creating positive connections, whether with others or with oneself. This can mean reconnecting with loved ones, mending broken relationships, or fostering new healthy habits and behaviors. Building Bridges focuses on fostering supportive, positive relationships and strengthening emotional and physical well-being by reinforcing connections that nurture and support.

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15 Building Bridges Activities

Activity 1: Reaching Out to a Loved One

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to reach out to someone they care about, focusing on restoring or strengthening a relationship that may have weakened over time.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“Today we’re going to focus on reaching out to a loved one. The goal is to reconnect with someone important to you, whether the relationship has been strained or you simply haven’t had much contact recently.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think of someone in their life they want to reconnect with. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what made the relationship meaningful and why they want to strengthen it.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about the person, write down what you want to say to them—whether it’s an apology, an expression of appreciation, or simply checking in. Your goal is to rebuild a bridge that brings you closer together.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes writing down their thoughts or reaching out to the person in real-time, whether it’s through a text, phone call, or letter. The therapist encourages them to focus on strengthening the relationship with care and authenticity.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while reaching out to a loved one. Were they able to express themselves in a way that felt genuine and helped rebuild the connection?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reach out to someone important to you? Did the act of reconnecting help you feel more connected and supported?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how reaching out to loved ones can help you restore important relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could building bridges with the people who matter most in your life improve your sense of support and well-being?”

Activity 2: Building a Self-Care Routine

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients create a self-care routine, building a bridge to healthier habits that support their physical and mental well-being.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on building a self-care routine today. The goal is to create habits that help you take care of yourself physically and emotionally, strengthening your relationship with your own well-being.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on areas of their life where self-care is lacking—whether it’s physical health, emotional health, or relaxation. Clients are encouraged to think about what kind of routine would support them best.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your self-care needs, write down a simple routine that includes at least three activities that nurture you—whether it’s physical exercise, meditation, or creative hobbies. These habits will build a bridge to healthier living.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes creating a self-care routine, focusing on activities that help them feel more balanced and connected to themselves. The therapist encourages them to commit to the routine and reflect on how it will benefit them.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while creating a self-care routine. Were they able to identify activities that help them feel more grounded and cared for?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to create a self-care routine? Do you think committing to these activities will help you feel more connected to yourself?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how building a self-care routine can strengthen your relationship with yourself. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could committing to regular self-care help you feel more balanced and less stressed?”

Activity 3: Writing a Gratitude Letter

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to build a bridge of appreciation by writing a gratitude letter to someone who has positively influenced their life.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to write a gratitude letter today. The goal is to express appreciation to someone who has had a positive impact on your life, building a stronger connection through gratitude.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about someone they feel grateful for—whether it’s a friend, family member, or mentor. Clients are encouraged to reflect on the ways that person has supported them.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you write your gratitude letter, focus on specific ways this person has helped or inspired you. Let them know why you appreciate them and how their influence has made a difference in your life.”

Experience:
Clients spend 10-15 minutes writing their gratitude letter. The therapist encourages them to be sincere and thoughtful, focusing on strengthening the bond with the person they’re writing to.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while writing their gratitude letter. Were they able to express their appreciation in a way that felt meaningful and helped strengthen the relationship?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to write a gratitude letter? Did expressing your appreciation help you feel more connected to the person?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how gratitude can build bridges and strengthen relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could expressing gratitude regularly help you maintain positive connections with others?”

Activity 4: Reconnecting with an Old Hobby

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to reconnect with a hobby they used to enjoy, helping them rebuild a bridge to an activity that once brought them joy or relaxation.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to reconnect with an old hobby today. The goal is to build a bridge back to an activity you once enjoyed, bringing it back into your life for relaxation or creativity.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a hobby or activity they used to love but haven’t engaged in for a while. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what made the activity meaningful and how it could be reintroduced into their life.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you reflect on your old hobby, think about how you can start doing it again—whether it’s as simple as picking up a book, playing an instrument, or doing a craft. Take steps today to rebuild that bridge.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes planning how to reconnect with their old hobby and setting aside time to engage in it again. The therapist encourages them to make this a regular part of their self-care.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to reconnect with their hobby. Were they excited about bringing it back into their life, and did they remember how much joy it brought them?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan to reconnect with an old hobby? Do you think this activity could help you feel more relaxed or creative again?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how reconnecting with old hobbies can help you feel more fulfilled and balanced. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could bringing back old hobbies help you find more joy and relaxation in your daily life?”

Activity 5: Building Trust in a Relationship

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients rebuild trust in a relationship, focusing on actions that can repair and strengthen the bond with someone important to them.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“Today we’re going to focus on rebuilding trust in a relationship. The goal is to take practical steps to repair and strengthen trust with someone important to you.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a relationship where trust has been damaged—whether it’s with a partner, friend, or family member. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what caused the breach in trust and what actions can help rebuild it.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about this relationship, write down specific actions you can take to rebuild trust—whether it’s through honest communication, keeping promises, or offering support. Focus on building a stronger, more trusting connection.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes writing down ways they can rebuild trust in the relationship. The therapist encourages them to commit to these actions and focus on repairing the bond.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to rebuild trust. Were they able to identify actions that could help restore the relationship and create a stronger bond?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan to rebuild trust in a relationship? Did it help you feel more hopeful about repairing the bond?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how rebuilding trust can strengthen relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could taking steps to rebuild trust help you create healthier, more supportive relationships?”

Activity 6: Building Bridges with Mindfulness

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to use mindfulness as a tool to build a stronger connection with themselves and the present moment, helping them reduce stress and feel more grounded.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to practice mindfulness today, focusing on building a stronger connection with yourself and the present moment. The goal is to feel more grounded and at peace.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to find a comfortable place to sit quietly. Clients are encouraged to focus on their breathing, paying attention to each inhale and exhale without distraction.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you sit, focus on your breath and how it feels to be fully present. Notice any thoughts or distractions without judgment, and gently bring your attention back to your breath. This practice helps build a stronger connection to yourself and your sense of peace.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing mindfulness, focusing on their breath and bringing their attention back to the present moment whenever their mind wanders. The therapist reminds them to stay focused on the feeling of being grounded in the moment.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while practicing mindfulness. Were they able to build a stronger sense of connection with themselves and the present moment?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice mindfulness and focus on the present? Did it help you feel more connected to yourself and your surroundings?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how practicing mindfulness can help you feel more grounded and calm. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could regular mindfulness practice help you build a stronger connection with yourself and manage stress?”

Activity 7: Strengthening Communication Skills

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients strengthen their communication skills, building bridges to healthier and more effective relationships through clear, open dialogue.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on strengthening communication skills today. The goal is to build healthier relationships by practicing clear, open communication with others.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about how they communicate with others—whether they feel heard, understood, or if communication often leads to conflict or misunderstanding. Clients are encouraged to reflect on areas where their communication could improve.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you reflect on your communication style, write down ways you can practice more effective communication—whether it’s active listening, being assertive, or expressing your thoughts and feelings more clearly. Building better communication is key to healthier relationships.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes identifying ways they can strengthen their communication skills. The therapist encourages them to commit to these actions in their future interactions to help build stronger relationships.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to improve their communication skills. Were they able to see how better communication could help them build bridges with others?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to think about improving your communication skills? Do you think better communication could help you build stronger, more trusting relationships?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how strengthening communication can improve your relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could building better communication habits help you connect more deeply with others?”

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Activity 8: Building Bridges with Self-Compassion

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to practice self-compassion, building a stronger connection to themselves through kindness and understanding when faced with challenges or mistakes.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“Today we’re going to focus on building a bridge with self-compassion. The goal is to be kinder to yourself when facing challenges or making mistakes, treating yourself with the same compassion you’d offer to others.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on how they usually treat themselves when they’re struggling—whether they tend to be harsh or critical. Clients are encouraged to think about how they can practice more self-compassion in difficult moments.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about a recent challenge or mistake, practice speaking to yourself kindly. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that you deserve understanding. Write down self-compassionate phrases you can use in the future, like ‘It’s okay to make mistakes’ or ‘I’m doing my best.’”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on self-compassion and writing down compassionate phrases they can use when facing difficult situations. The therapist encourages them to focus on building a kinder, more supportive relationship with themselves.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while practicing self-compassion. Were they able to be kinder to themselves and recognize that they deserve the same compassion they offer to others?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice self-compassion? Did treating yourself with kindness help you feel more connected and supported?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how self-compassion can strengthen your relationship with yourself. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing self-compassion help you handle challenges with more resilience and kindness?”

Activity 9: Reconnecting with Nature

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to build a bridge with nature, reconnecting with the outdoors to find peace, relaxation, and a sense of balance.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to reconnect with nature today. The goal is to build a bridge between yourself and the natural world, using time spent outside to help you feel more balanced and at peace.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about how much time they currently spend outdoors and how reconnecting with nature could help them feel more grounded. Clients are encouraged to reflect on their favorite outdoor activities.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you plan to reconnect with nature, think about how you’d like to spend time outside—whether it’s going for a walk, sitting in a park, or hiking in the woods. Write down your plan to spend more time in nature and reflect on how it will benefit your mental and emotional well-being.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes planning how they will reconnect with nature, setting aside time to be outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. The therapist encourages them to make this a regular part of their self-care.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to spend time in nature. Were they able to see how reconnecting with the outdoors could help them feel more balanced and peaceful?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan time in nature? Do you think spending more time outdoors could help you feel more relaxed and connected?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how spending time in nature can improve your mental and emotional well-being. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could reconnecting with nature help you feel more balanced in your daily life?”

Activity 10: Strengthening Boundaries in Relationships

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients strengthen boundaries in their relationships, building bridges to healthier and more respectful connections with others.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on strengthening boundaries today. The goal is to build healthier relationships by setting and respecting boundaries that protect your emotional and mental well-being.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on their relationships and identify areas where boundaries may need to be strengthened—whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues. Clients are encouraged to think about where they feel uncomfortable or overextended.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your boundaries, write down specific ways you can strengthen them—whether it’s saying ‘no’ to requests, asking for more space, or communicating your needs more clearly. Focus on building bridges to healthier relationships by respecting both your needs and others’.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes writing about how they will strengthen their boundaries and practice respecting their limits in relationships. The therapist encourages them to commit to these changes to protect their well-being.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to strengthen their boundaries. Were they able to identify specific actions that could help them feel more respected and secure in their relationships?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan to strengthen your boundaries? Do you think setting healthier boundaries could help you build more respectful and supportive relationships?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how setting boundaries can improve your relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could strengthening boundaries help you create more balanced and respectful connections with others?”

Activity 11: Reconnecting with a Lost Value

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients reconnect with a personal value that they may have drifted away from, building a bridge back to something that is important to their identity and guiding their actions.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“Today we’re going to reconnect with a personal value. The goal is to reflect on a value that was once important to you but that you may have drifted away from, and build a bridge back to it.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about values that were once central to their identity—whether it’s honesty, kindness, or responsibility—and reflect on how those values can be strengthened or restored in their daily life.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your lost value, reflect on what made it important to you in the past and how reconnecting with it could help you feel more aligned with your true self. Write down practical ways you can live this value more intentionally.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on their lost value and writing down steps they can take to reintroduce it into their life. The therapist encourages them to think about how living this value will positively impact their daily decisions and relationships.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while reconnecting with a personal value. Were they able to see how rebuilding this connection could help them feel more centered and true to themselves?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reconnect with a value that’s important to you? Did it help you feel more in touch with your core beliefs?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how reconnecting with your personal values can guide your decisions and actions. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could living by your values help you feel more aligned with who you are?”

Activity 12: Mending a Relationship with Yourself

Intro to activity:
This activity focuses on mending the relationship with oneself, building a bridge to self-acceptance and healing through reflection and self-compassion.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on mending your relationship with yourself today. The goal is to reflect on how you’ve treated yourself in the past and build a bridge to self-acceptance and healing.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on how they view and treat themselves, especially during difficult times. Clients are encouraged to think about areas where they’ve been hard on themselves and how they can practice more self-acceptance.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you reflect on your relationship with yourself, write down ways you’ve been critical or unkind to yourself. Then, think about how you can practice self-compassion and build a more supportive and loving relationship with yourself.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on their self-relationship and writing down steps to practice more kindness and acceptance toward themselves. The therapist encourages them to commit to nurturing this relationship through self-compassion.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while mending their relationship with themselves. Were they able to identify ways to be more compassionate and supportive of themselves?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reflect on your relationship with yourself? Do you think practicing more self-compassion will help you feel more at peace with who you are?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how mending your relationship with yourself can help you build inner peace and self-acceptance. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could being kinder to yourself improve your mental and emotional well-being?”

Activity 13: Building Bridges with Healthier Coping Mechanisms

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to build a bridge to healthier coping mechanisms, replacing harmful habits with more supportive ways of handling stress or difficult emotions.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“Today we’re going to focus on building bridges to healthier coping mechanisms. The goal is to identify harmful habits and replace them with more supportive ways of managing stress or emotions.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on the ways they currently cope with stress or emotional challenges—whether it’s through avoidance, self-medication, or other harmful behaviors. Clients are encouraged to think about healthier alternatives.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your current coping strategies, write down the ones that are not serving you well. Then, brainstorm healthier alternatives—whether it’s talking to a friend, exercising, or practicing mindfulness. Focus on building bridges to healthier coping.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes identifying their harmful coping mechanisms and writing down healthier alternatives. The therapist encourages them to commit to trying these healthier strategies the next time they face stress.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while building bridges to healthier coping mechanisms. Were they able to see how switching to supportive behaviors could improve their emotional resilience?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan healthier coping mechanisms? Do you think these new strategies will help you manage stress more effectively?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how healthier coping mechanisms can support your mental health. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could using healthier ways to cope with stress help you feel more in control of your emotions?”

Activity 14: Building Emotional Bridges with Vulnerability

Intro to activity:
This activity encourages clients to build emotional bridges with others by practicing vulnerability, helping them open up and share their feelings more openly.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on building emotional bridges through vulnerability. The goal is to practice opening up and sharing your feelings with others in a way that strengthens your connections.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about relationships where they struggle to be open or vulnerable. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how sharing their emotions might strengthen these relationships.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your relationships, identify someone you’d like to be more open with. Write down the emotions or thoughts you’d like to share with them, and think about how being vulnerable could help build a stronger, more trusting connection.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes writing about their desire to be more vulnerable in a relationship, identifying what they’d like to share and why it’s important. The therapist encourages them to take the first step in practicing vulnerability with this person.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while planning to practice vulnerability. Were they able to see how opening up could help build stronger emotional bridges with others?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to plan to be more vulnerable with someone? Do you think practicing vulnerability could help you build a stronger emotional connection?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how practicing vulnerability can strengthen your relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could being more open and vulnerable help you build deeper, more trusting connections with others?”

Activity 15: Rebuilding Confidence After Setbacks

Intro to activity:
This activity focuses on rebuilding confidence after setbacks or failures, helping clients build a bridge to a more resilient, confident version of themselves.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on rebuilding your confidence after setbacks today. The goal is to reflect on past failures and build a bridge to greater resilience and self-belief.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent setback or failure that caused their confidence to drop. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they handled the situation and how they can rebuild their confidence moving forward.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “As you think about your setback, write down the lessons you’ve learned from it and the ways you’ve grown. Then, write down specific actions you can take to rebuild your confidence and approach future challenges with resilience.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on their setback and writing down ways they can rebuild their confidence. The therapist encourages them to focus on how their growth and resilience can help them move forward with greater self-belief.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt while rebuilding their confidence. Were they able to see how setbacks can be opportunities for growth and greater resilience?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to rebuild your confidence after a setback? Did reflecting on your growth help you feel more resilient and capable?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how rebuilding confidence can help you face future challenges with strength. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could focusing on growth and resilience help you approach setbacks with a more positive mindset?”

Download 42 FUN Ideas for DBT Group Activities [FREE]

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    Sean Walsh

    Sean Walsh

    I was diagnosed with BPD in 2018. Attending DBT changed my life, and I want to share what I’ve learned, along with other aspects of mental health that I think are worth knowing about. I think and write about what can make you happier.