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DEAR MAN Communication

Assertive communication strategies for requesting needs and setting boundaries using the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) framework. Targets each step of the DEAR MAN acronym to enhance interpersonal effectiveness while maintaining self-respect.

Counseling & Life SkillsSelf-AwarenessBasic Emotion RecognitionComplex Emotion IdentificationEmotional Nuance & Mixed FeelingsBuilding Positive Self-ImageRecognizing Strengths & Growth AreasAccurate Self-AssessmentPersonal Values IdentificationCultural & Individual Identity ExplorationValues-Based Decision MakingSelf-ManagementStop-and-Think StrategiesDelaying GratificationIndependent Impulse ManagementIdentifying Stress TriggersShort-Term Goal SettingSMART Goals DevelopmentGoal Monitoring & AdjustmentBuilding Perseverance & ResilienceInternal Motivation DevelopmentComprehensive Stress Reduction PlanningSocial AwarenessRecognizing Others' FeelingsDemonstrating EmpathyRespecting Individual DifferencesUnderstanding Cultural DiversityComplex Empathetic ResponsesMultiple Viewpoint ConsiderationMulti-Perspective AnalysisChallenging Stereotypes & BiasRelationship SkillsActive ListeningClear Verbal & Nonverbal CommunicationBuilding Positive FriendshipsWorking Cooperatively in GroupsCommunicating Personal BoundariesRespecting Others' BoundariesAssertive ExpressionPeaceful Problem-SolvingContributing to Team GoalsComplex Conflict NavigationMediation & NegotiationHealthy Romantic RelationshipsResponsible Decision-MakingDaily Problem IdentificationBrainstorming Multiple SolutionsEvaluating Pros & ConsRecognizing Risks & ConsequencesApplying Ethical FrameworksInformed Risk-Benefit DecisionsRoot Cause AnalysisMindfulnessMindful BreathingBody Scan MeditationDaily Mindfulness ApplicationDaily Self-Care RoutinesBalancing Life DemandsAdvocating for Wellness NeedsMental Health SupportUnderstanding Anxiety SymptomsWorry Management StrategiesProgressive Muscle RelaxationRecognizing Depression SignsBuilding Mood-Supporting RoutinesBehavioral Activation for MoodUnderstanding Grief StagesHealthy Grief CopingCreative Expression of LossBehavioral SupportDaily Check-In ProceduresDaily Goal Setting & ReviewRecognizing Escalation Warning SignsRequesting Breaks & SupportSelf-Calming During DistressUnderstanding Positive ReinforcementToken Economy ImplementationBehavior Chart TrackingAnalyzing Behavior PatternsIdentifying Antecedents & ConsequencesDetermining Behavior FunctionFunction-Based InterventionsIndividualized Behavior ContractsData-Driven Behavior AdjustmentTherapeutic ApproachesThoughts-Feelings-Behaviors ConnectionRecognizing Thinking PatternsChallenging Negative ThoughtsPositive Self-Talk PracticeThought Record TrackingAdvanced Cognitive RestructuringComprehensive CBT PlansBehavioral Activation TechniquesBuilding Positive ExperiencesExposure Hierarchies for AnxietyPresent-Moment AwarenessNon-Judgmental ObservationSelf-Soothing & DistractionComplex Emotion LabelingReducing Emotional Vulnerability (PLEASE)DEAR MAN CommunicationGIVE Skills for RelationshipsFAST Skills for Self-RespectRadical Acceptance PracticeCrisis Survival Skills (TIPP)Understanding Trauma EffectsTrauma Responses & TriggersIdentifying Trauma FeelingsGrounding TechniquesRegulation During Trauma DistressSafe Place VisualizationProcessing Through NarrativeDeveloping Trauma StoryPersonalized Safety PlanningGroup SupportTurn-Taking & SharingGroup Conversation SkillsSharing in Supportive EnvironmentLearning from Similar ChallengesBuilding Community & BelongingNavigating Peer RelationshipsGroup Skill PracticeGroup Mental Health EducationStress & Anxiety UnderstandingCrisis Support & SafetyKnowing When to Seek HelpIdentifying Mental Health CrisesGrounding During CrisisUsing Crisis HotlinesBuilding Support NetworksAccessing Mental Health ResourcesWarning Signs & Coping StrategiesDeveloping Personal Safety PlansUnderstanding Suicide Warning SignsGatekeeper Skills for PeersDigital LiteracySocial MediaTechnology BasicsProductivity ToolsInternet and Online ResearchWeb Design and PublishingDigital CitizenshipOnline Safety and PrivacyEmerging TechnologiesFinancial LiteracyMaking Financial DecisionsBanking and AccountsConsumer SkillsSaving and InvestingCredit and DebtEmployment and IncomeTaxesInsuranceMajor PurchasesEconomic ConceptsFinancial PlanningCollege & Post-Secondary PlanningCareer ExplorationUnderstanding Post-Secondary OptionsCollege Research & SelectionAdmission RequirementsCollege Application ProcessPersonal Statement WritingFAFSA CompletionScholarship Search & ApplicationsUnderstanding Student LoansContinuing Education PlanningInterview PreparationResearching EmployersCommon Interview QuestionsSTAR Method ResponsesProfessional Interview PresenceVirtual Interview SkillsInterview Follow-UpJob Search SkillsUnderstanding Job PostingsEffective Job Search StrategiesNetworking for OpportunitiesResume Writing BasicsAction Verbs & AchievementsTailoring Resumes to JobsCover Letter WritingProfessional ReferencesProfessional CommunicationBusiness Email EtiquettePhone & Voicemail ProfessionalismMeeting ParticipationPresentation SkillsProfessional Work EthicTime Management & ProductivityTeamwork & CollaborationAdaptability & FlexibilityProblem-Solving at WorkConstructive FeedbackWorkplace RightsUnderstanding Employment LawsPay & Benefits UnderstandingWorkplace SafetyAnti-Discrimination & Harassment

Materials

New Beginnings Worksheet

New Beginnings Worksheet

A refined therapy worksheet for adopted youth, focusing on emotional health, role adjustment, and communication. Features improved writing space for sentence starters and a structured reflection table.

A

angela_candelaria

Sequences

Empowering You Teacher Guide

DBT Skills Empowering You

A 5-week individual lesson series for 8th-grade students with social-emotional disabilities, introducing core DBT modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Walking the Middle Path.

B

bbeldenscott

38
Champion Navigation Teacher Guide

Fairness Champion Curriculum

A 6-week social-emotional learning curriculum for a 13-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, focusing on managing specific triggers through a strength-based "Integrity Blueprint" lens.

MS

Minakshi Singal

18
Emergency Brake Lab Log

The Conflict Resolution Lab

A 6-week curriculum for 11th and 12th graders focused on practical conflict resolution strategies with peers, teachers, parents, and romantic partners.

JZ

Janice Zimmerman

24
Week 1 Educator Guide

Drama Detox

An 8-week student group curriculum utilizing CBT cognitive reframing and DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills to help middle and high school students manage school drama, navigate social conflicts, and build healthy relationships.

NW

Nicholas Wren

16
Mindfulness Facilitator Guide

DBT Mind Shield

A comprehensive multi-age Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training curriculum. Includes a 16-week master curriculum for middle schoolers (ages 12-14, 2-hour sessions) and an 8-week 'Greatest Hits' curriculum for children (ages 8-11, 1.5-hour sessions) with in-person and online adaptation tracks.

LG

Lisa Griffiths

36
DBT Group Teacher Guide

DBT Group Skills

A comprehensive 13-week curriculum for middle school students focused on the four core modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. Students learn and practice key coping strategies in a supportive group setting.

IY

ilana yakubovich

23

Lessons

Game On Facilitator Guide

Game On Lockdown

An interactive SEL mystery centered on a gaming-themed conflict. Students act as 'Moderators' to resolve a toxic server lockdown by identifying emotions, managing frustration, and practicing perspective-taking.

AM

Alyssa McDonald

20
Lab Supervisor Guide

Advocacy Lab Protocol

A 90-minute session empowering middle schoolers to identify barriers related to mental health or disabilities and practice assertive self-advocacy strategies through a laboratory-themed framework.

RS

Rachel Shepherd

12
Voice Power Teacher Guide

Voice Power

A high-energy lesson on assertive communication for high schoolers, focusing on the 'I-statement' framework and distinguishing between passive, aggressive, and assertive styles. Students will analyze scenarios across social, academic, and professional settings.

RM

Rebecca Muotka

8
Level Up Voice Slides

Convo Champions

A social skills lesson for high school students with lower cognitive functioning, focusing on the DEAR MAN model to help them advocate for their needs in conversation.

JO

Jenna Obelsky

3
Speak Up Anchor Poster

Speak Up Script

An interactive DBT-based lesson introducing high school students to the DEAR MAN framework. Students learn to assertively advocate for themselves with adults and peers through guided scripting and realistic role-play scenarios.

C

Clara

5
Power Talk Slides

Power Talk Session

A telehealth session lesson designed for a 12-year-old girl to learn and practice 'I' statements. The lesson focuses on self-advocacy, managing anxiety, setting family boundaries, and resolving online or offline friend drama using engaging, scrapbook-themed, and text-message-styled interactive slides.

C

Clara

3