For many, self-advocacy doesn't come naturally. It's a skill that requires practice. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps clients advocate for themselves using interpersonal effectiveness skills, such as those outlined by the acronym DEAR MAN.
Our DEAR MAN worksheet uses a set of DBT skills to teach clients how to communicate more assertively while minimizing conflict. The first page of the handout teaches the DEAR MAN skills using simple explanations and an example. The second page asks clients to apply the skills to their own situation via a series of prompts.
Use this worksheet with clients who struggle with asserting themselves, making requests of others, and setting boundaries. The DEAR MAN skills may need to be adjusted for clients from cultures that value group consensus over individual assertiveness. For example, some cultures regard direct eye contact as disrespectful.
For the best results, encourage clients to practice the DEAR MAN skills in front of a mirror or with one another (when doing group work).
