audience client - people with disabilities

population adults, all ages

purpose to support self-advocacy, interpersonal communication and social interaction skills as well as cope with self-stigma. 

materials: visual, pencil, paper

instructions

1. Provide visual and explain each meaning of the letters in DEARMAN. 

2. Have the client describe a situation where it was difficult to communicate their needs if they are comfortable. If not use a social scenario such as "a person at work did not agree with my decision but I did not know how to explain myself"

3. Have the client write each letter of DEARMAN and answer the prompts for each letter about the social scenario or their situation.

4. With the list the client created role-play the social scenario or their situation.

5. Discuss the client's thoughts and feelings on the activity and how they can use this strategy in other situations.

rationale and impact on function - Often people with mental health conditions experience stigma that prevent them from feeling they can advocate for themselves and experience social withdrawal. This tool is to provide a reminder that their thoughts and feelings matter and can be used in various contexts such as at a job, with family members, and friends.

references

DEAR MAN Skill - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Tools 

audience - individual client

population pediatric, all ages

purpose The purpose of this activity is to support emotional regulation skills, social awareness, and coping with stigma and self-stigma

instructions

materials - pencil and worksheet

1. Educated the client on the negative thoughts and positive reminders.

2. Discuss with the client a challenge they had faced and what they thought.

3. If the client thought of a negative thought, discuss how to change that thought into a positive reminder of what the client is confident in doing.

rationale and impact on function A child with disabilities may experience stigma in school due to bullying and/or may compare themselves to peers their age when completing difficult tasks and exhibit negative self-talk. This activity is to support positive self-image and promote a growth mindset when facing challenges and choosing coping strategies.

references

https://stylishschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/2019/08/negative-self-talk-awfulizer-book.html