Make A Plan

Worksheet Description

The DEARMAN worksheet is an educational resource from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that guides students through a structured method for addressing interpersonal issues. The acronym DEARMAN stands for Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindfulness, Appear confident, and Negotiate. Students are prompted to think of a specific issue they are facing and use the worksheet to plan a constructive approach to the conversation. The goal is to communicate effectively and resolve the issue in a positive way.

In the first step, “Describe,” students are asked to state the facts of the situation objectively, without judgment. “Express” instructs them to articulate their feelings clearly, helping to foster emotional literacy. “Assert” is about expressing needs in a straightforward manner, and “Reinforce” focuses on positive reinforcement for the other person’s good responses. “Mindfulness” reminds students to stay focused on their objective, and “Appear confident” covers the use of body language to convey self-assuredness. Lastly, “Negotiate” encourages flexibility and setting clear boundaries. This worksheet helps students practice assertive communication, enabling them to express their needs and feelings while maintaining respect for themselves and others.