Make It Better

Worksheet Description

The DEARMAN worksheet is a reflective exercise from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), designed to help students analyze and improve upon their interpersonal interactions. It prompts them to think about a specific interaction that did not go as intended and to dissect what went wrong from the DEARMAN perspective, which encapsulates Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindfulness, Appear confident, and Negotiate. Each component of DEARMAN represents a critical step in effective communication, and the worksheet asks students to consider which of these aspects may have contributed to the breakdown in their interaction.

The worksheet provides a structured way for students to review their approach to difficult conversations and to pinpoint where they might need to make changes. They are encouraged to describe the situation objectively, express their emotions clearly, assert their needs, reinforce positive responses, stay mindful and focused, appear confident, and be open to negotiation. Reflecting on these elements allows students to develop a deeper understanding of communication dynamics and to plan for more effective interactions in the future. The worksheet concludes with a prompt for students to consider what they can do differently next time, promoting a proactive approach to personal development in communication skills.