Journal And Categorize

Worksheet Description

The “DEARMAN Brainstorm” worksheet is a therapeutic tool that facilitates students’ preparation for difficult interpersonal situations. This exercise, rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), provides a structured approach to explore and organize thoughts and feelings about a troubling interpersonal issue before addressing it. The worksheet encourages students to journal their immediate, uncensored thoughts and feelings, allowing for a free flow of emotions and ideas without judgment.

Upon completing the brainstorm, the worksheet guides students through the DEARMAN acronym—Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindfulness, Appear confident, and Negotiate. Students are prompted to categorize their journaled content according to these key communication components, which aids in the development of a clear and effective plan for addressing the issue at hand. By doing so, students learn to communicate their needs assertively and navigate challenging conversations with greater efficacy. This preparation can help to ensure that the forthcoming discussion is productive and that their perspective is conveyed with clarity and composure.