The 3-minute timer is calibrated to typical urge half-life — most urges peak and fall within 90 seconds. The wave visual gives the kid a concrete frame for "ride it out." For self-harm urges specifically, pair with a safety plan; surfing alone is not sufficient.

Urge surfing was developed by Marlatt and colleagues for substance-use relapse prevention and adapted across DBT for self-harm and impulsive-behavior urges.

• Marlatt, G. A. & Donovan, D. M. (2005). Relapse Prevention

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