Through The Process

Worksheet Description

The DEARMAN worksheet is an instructive tool designed to assist students in effectively communicating personal needs and desires within the framework of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The acronym DEARMAN stands for Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindfulness, Appear Confident, and Negotiate. Each term corresponds to a key communication skill that the worksheet helps to develop. It starts by asking students to factually describe a situation, promoting an objective view that avoids emotional bias.

The worksheet then guides students through the process of expressing their feelings about the situation, asserting their needs, and considering ways to positively reinforce the person who responds well to their communication. Mindfulness encourages students to focus on their communication goals and to be wary of distractions that could lead them off course. ‘Appear Confident’ prompts students to think about how they can use body language to bolster their communication, and ‘Negotiate’ helps them to identify their boundaries and to be open to finding a middle ground. Through this structured approach, students can build the confidence and skills necessary for successful interpersonal interactions and negotiations.