Which of the following is a practical example of applying limit setting in DBT?

• A. Setting clear boundaries about phone coaching availability and respecting safety protocols.
• B. Forbidding all contact between therapist and client after sessions.
• C. Allowing unlimited phone coaching to avoid crises.
• D. Ignoring safety protocols to maintain flexibility.

Answer: (A)

Limit setting in DBT is about establishing clear, predictable boundaries around availability and safety. A practical example is setting explicit boundaries about phone coaching availability and faithfully following safety protocols. This shows the therapist providing support between sessions in a structured way: clients know when they can reach out for coaching, what counts as a crisis, and what procedures to follow. This balance of care and limits helps reduce reliance on the therapist, supports skill use during distress, and keeps safety front and center. The other options miss this balance: forbidding all contact after sessions removes a valuable crisis-support mechanism; allowing unlimited phone coaching removes essential boundaries; and ignoring safety protocols jeopardizes client safety and the integrity of the treatment.