Blip or Wreck? Size of the Problem for Teens, All Gender Editions

Blip or Wreck? Size of the Problem for Teens, All Gender Editions

A DBT-informed Size of the Problem bundle with a dedicated edition for every teen, ages 12 to 17.

Big feelings are always real, but not every problem is the same size. When a teen’s reaction is much bigger or smaller than the problem, it’s harder to choose a next move that helps. This bundle teaches teens to measure the problem and their reaction separately, using a 5-level scale: Blip, Bump, Roadblock, Wreck and Emergency.

Teens can’t use a tool they don’t see themselves in. So instead of one generic version, this bundle includes seven gender editions. Each one keeps the same core skills and swaps in examples, scenarios and caregiver tips drawn from that identity’s real life.

The seven editions

• Nonbinary / Enby: two-choice forms, “pick one” comments, and people mixing up they/them.
• Agender / Gendervoid: “So what are you, then?”, gendered groups that don’t fit, and being tired of explaining.
• Androgyne: strangers guessing their gender, dress codes that split into boys and girls, and being told to look “more boy” or “more girl.”
• Genderfluid: “make up your mind” comments, updating names and pronouns again, and days that feel different.
• Bigender / Trigender / Pangender: “Which one are you really?”, being asked to pick just one, and pronoun mix-ups.
• Transgender: being called the wrong name or pronouns, deciding who to come out to, and bathroom, locker room or sports worries.
• Cisgender: pressure to look, act or date a certain way, being teased for liking something “for the other gender,” and supporting a friend who comes out.

What’s inside every edition

• Size of the Problem scale: five color-coded levels, each with what it might look like, a reaction that fits, and something to try.
• Measure My Problem: practice sorting examples, then rate a real problem and the reaction to it, and choose a next move.
• Facts vs. Stories (DBT Check the Facts): the “camera test” for separating what happened from the story the brain adds.
• What’s on My Plate?: why the same problem can feel like a 2 one day and a 4 the next, with a plate check-in.
• Body Clues & My Thinking Brain: calm first, rate second.
• Valid vs. Effective: feelings are always valid, and some choices work better than others. Includes A-or-B scenarios with ready-to-use scripts.
• My Trusted Adult Map: who to go to for each size of problem, plus 988, Crisis Text Line and 911. LGBTQ+ editions also include The Trevor Project.
• For Parents and Caregivers: a plain-language explanation of the identity, a 3-step routine (validate, ask the size, match the move), and support tips specific to that identity.

Who it’s for

• Therapists, school counselors and youth workers with caseloads that include teens of many gender identities.
• Group facilitators and classrooms where every teen deserves materials that fit.
• Clinicians who want affirming, identity-specific tools ready to go, without rewriting examples on the fly.
• Families with siblings or teens who are exploring identity.

Ways to use it

• Teach the scale to a whole group, giving each teen the edition that fits them.
• Let a questioning teen look through several editions and choose the one that feels right, or none of them.
• Assign Measure My Problem as practice between sessions.
• Use Facts vs. Stories after a hard week to slow things down.
• Fill out the Trusted Adult Map together as part of safety planning.
• Send the matching caregiver page home so everyone uses the same words.

Why it’s different

Most Size of the Problem tools are written for younger kids and assume every teen faces the same stressors. This bundle is written for teens and keeps feelings valid at every level. It treats identity-related stress, like being misgendered, questioned or pressured to fit, as real problems that deserve honest sizing rather than “overreactions.” Because the core skills are the same across editions, a group can learn together while each teen sees their own life in the examples. It’s DBT-informed, safety-focused at the top of the scale, and affirming throughout.

What you get

• 7 printable PDFs, 8 pages each (56 pages total), US Letter
• A 5-level scale, 6 practice and psychoeducation pages, and an identity-specific caregiver page in every edition
• Single-clinician license included

Pairs well with

• Respect Goes Both Ways: Wise Mind Parenting for Teens
• Skills for the Hard Moments: DBT Skills Toolkit
• DEAR MAN Skill Guide
• Thoughts vs. Feelings