Reviewing the client's UP skills and creating a maintenance plan for future emotional spikes, avoidance, and setbacks.
Step-by-step guide
- Review the full emotional cycle learned in therapy
- Identify high-risk situations and early warning signs
- Select which UP skills fit which warning sign
- Create a written maintenance plan
- Normalize setbacks as opportunities to practice
- Clarify when to return for support
When to use
- Module 8
- At planned ending
- After a setback
Key phrases
When difficulties return, which part of the protocol will you use first?
Follow-up questions
What are your warning signs?
Which EDB tends to come back first?
What would make you seek help early rather than late?
Alternative phrasings
A setback is not failure; it is a cue to use the protocol.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Avoid a generic relapse plan
- ⚠️ Tie the plan to the client's own EDBs and avoidance patterns
Source: Barlow et al. 2018
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.