15 Easy DBT DEAR MAN Group Activities

General Instructions for Therapists

As you guide clients through the “DEAR MAN” activities, the goal is to help them practice effective communication strategies that balance getting their needs met with maintaining healthy relationships. DEAR MAN stands for Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear Confident, and Negotiate. Each activity will help clients apply these steps to real-life situations.

General Instructions for Clients

Today’s activities focus on practicing the “DEAR MAN” skill. The goal is to learn how to communicate your needs clearly and assertively, while maintaining healthy relationships and respecting both yourself and others.

These exercises will guide you through different ways to use the DEAR MAN skill. After each activity, we’ll reflect on how it felt and how you can use this skill in everyday interactions to express yourself effectively.

What is the DEAR MAN Skill in DBT?

The DEAR MAN skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a strategy for assertive communication. It helps you express your needs and set boundaries in a way that balances respect for both yourself and others. The acronym DEAR MAN stands for Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear Confident, and Negotiate. By following these steps, you can make requests, say “no” to others, and handle conflict while maintaining positive relationships.

15 DEAR MAN Skill Activities

Activity 1: Practicing DEAR MAN for Requesting Support

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to request support from others, such as asking for help from a friend or family member. Clients will rehearse how to follow the DEAR MAN steps in a clear and assertive way.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to request support. The goal is to practice asking for help while staying clear, assertive, and respectful.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent situation where they needed support but found it difficult to ask. Clients are encouraged to reflect on why it was challenging to make the request.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a situation where you needed help from someone, but it was hard to ask for it. Now, practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to make your request. First, Describe the situation. Then, Express your feelings and why you need support. Assert what you need clearly and specifically. Reinforce the benefits of providing help. Stay Mindful of your goals, Appear Confident in your request, and be willing to Negotiate if needed.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes rehearsing how to use DEAR MAN to make their request for support. The therapist encourages them to go through each step, focusing on staying calm and assertive.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing their request using DEAR MAN. Did following the steps help them feel more confident and clear in asking for support?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use DEAR MAN to make your request? Did this practice help you feel more comfortable asking for help?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you make clear, assertive requests. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you feel more confident in expressing your needs to others?”

Activity 2: Using DEAR MAN to Set Boundaries

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to set healthy boundaries in relationships. By expressing their needs assertively and respectfully, clients can maintain their self-respect and the integrity of their relationships.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to set boundaries. The goal is to practice asserting your needs in a clear and respectful way.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent situation where they felt their boundaries were crossed or ignored. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they might have communicated their needs more effectively.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a situation where your boundaries were crossed. Now, practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to assert your needs. First, Describe the situation. Then, Express how it made you feel. Assert what you need clearly and respectfully. Reinforce why setting this boundary is important for the relationship. Stay Mindful of your goal, Appear Confident while expressing your needs, and be willing to Negotiate a solution if necessary.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes rehearsing how to use DEAR MAN to set a boundary. The therapist encourages them to go through each step, focusing on being calm, clear, and respectful.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing setting a boundary using DEAR MAN. Did following the steps help them feel more confident and in control?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use DEAR MAN to set a boundary? Did this practice help you feel more assertive and respectful of your own needs?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you set healthy boundaries. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you protect your personal space while maintaining positive relationships?”

Activity 3: Requesting a Change in Behavior

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to request a change in behavior from someone else, such as asking a roommate or co-worker to stop an annoying habit. The focus is on maintaining respect while making the request.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to request a change in behavior. The goal is to express your needs assertively while maintaining respect for the other person.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a situation where someone’s behavior bothered them but they didn’t speak up. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what stopped them from asking for a change.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when someone’s behavior bothered you but you didn’t ask for a change. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to make your request. First, Describe the behavior that bothered you. Then, Express how it made you feel. Assert what you would like to see change. Reinforce how making that change could benefit both of you. Stay Mindful of your goal, Appear Confident, and be ready to Negotiate if needed.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to request a change in behavior using DEAR MAN. The therapist encourages them to remain calm and focused while expressing their needs clearly.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing their request for a behavior change. Did following the DEAR MAN steps help them feel more assertive and clear?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to ask for a change in behavior using DEAR MAN? Did this practice help you feel more comfortable addressing difficult situations?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you request changes in behavior while maintaining respect. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you address issues in a more constructive way?”

Activity 4: Handling Criticism with DEAR MAN

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to respond to criticism in a calm and assertive way. Clients learn to express their feelings and needs without becoming defensive or reactive.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to respond to criticism. The goal is to express your feelings clearly and assertively while staying calm.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent situation where they felt criticized and found it difficult to respond. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they usually react to criticism and whether they could handle it more effectively.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you felt criticized. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to respond calmly and assertively. First, Describe what the person said or did that felt like criticism. Then, Express how it made you feel. Assert your own perspective or needs in response to the criticism. Reinforce why it’s important to express yourself calmly and clearly. Stay Mindful of your goal, Appear Confident, and Negotiate if there’s room for discussion.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes rehearsing how to use DEAR MAN to respond to criticism. The therapist encourages them to remain calm and avoid becoming defensive.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing their response to criticism. Did following the DEAR MAN steps help them feel more in control and less reactive?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to respond to criticism using DEAR MAN? Did this practice help you feel more confident in handling difficult feedback?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you manage criticism more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay calm and assertive in the face of criticism?”

Activity 5: Negotiating a Compromise

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to negotiate a compromise in a conflict. Clients learn how to balance their needs with others’ and find a solution that works for both parties.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to negotiate a compromise. The goal is to balance your needs with the other person’s and work toward a solution that benefits both of you.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a conflict where they found it hard to find a compromise. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what made it difficult to balance their needs with the other person’s.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a conflict where it was hard to find a compromise. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to negotiate a solution. First, Describe the situation from both perspectives. Then, Express your own needs and feelings. Assert what’s important to you, but be willing to Reinforce the value of finding a middle ground. Stay Mindful of the need for cooperation, Appear Confident, and be open to Negotiation.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to negotiate a compromise using DEAR MAN. The therapist encourages them to focus on balancing assertiveness with flexibility.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing a negotiation. Did using DEAR MAN help them feel more confident in finding a fair compromise?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to negotiate a compromise using DEAR MAN? Did this practice help you feel more capable of balancing your needs with others’?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you negotiate solutions in conflict. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you find balance and resolve conflicts more peacefully?”

Activity 6: Practicing DEAR MAN in Workplace Settings

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy in workplace settings, such as asking for a raise, managing workload expectations, or addressing conflicts with colleagues.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy in workplace situations. The goal is to express your needs and assert yourself clearly and professionally.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent workplace situation where they struggled to assert themselves or ask for what they needed. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they typically handle such situations at work.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a workplace situation where you struggled to express your needs, such as asking for a raise, discussing workload expectations, or resolving a conflict with a colleague. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to communicate your needs clearly and professionally. First, Describe the situation. Then, Express how it affects your work. Assert what you need clearly, and Reinforce the benefits for the workplace or relationship. Stay Mindful of your goals, Appear Confident, and be ready to Negotiate.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes rehearsing how to use DEAR MAN in a workplace scenario. The therapist encourages them to focus on professionalism and clarity in their communication.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing assertiveness in the workplace. Did following DEAR MAN help them feel more confident and assertive at work?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice DEAR MAN in a workplace setting? Did this practice help you feel more capable of addressing professional challenges?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN in workplace situations can help you navigate professional challenges with confidence. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you communicate more effectively in your work environment?”

Activity 7: Making Requests in Close Relationships

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to make requests in close relationships, such as asking a partner, friend, or family member for support or a change in behavior.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to make requests in close relationships. The goal is to express your needs while maintaining respect and understanding.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent situation where they needed to ask for support or a change in behavior from someone close to them. Clients are encouraged to reflect on the importance of balancing assertiveness with maintaining the relationship.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you needed to ask a partner, friend, or family member for support or a change in behavior. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to make your request. First, Describe the situation clearly. Then, Express how it affects you. Assert what you need respectfully and Reinforce how meeting your request can improve the relationship. Stay Mindful of the relationship’s importance, Appear Confident, and be open to Negotiation.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to make requests in close relationships using DEAR MAN. The therapist encourages them to focus on maintaining empathy and respect while being assertive.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing making a request. Did using DEAR MAN help them feel more comfortable asking for support or a change in behavior?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use DEAR MAN to make a request in a close relationship? Did this practice help you balance assertiveness with understanding?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you make requests while maintaining healthy relationships. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you communicate your needs more effectively with loved ones?”

Activity 8: Addressing Conflict with DEAR MAN

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using the DEAR MAN strategy to address conflict, such as managing disagreements with friends, family members, or colleagues. The focus is on maintaining respect and clarity in communication.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using the DEAR MAN strategy to address conflict. The goal is to communicate assertively while managing disagreements respectfully.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent conflict they had with someone and how they handled it. Clients are encouraged to reflect on whether they communicated their needs clearly or avoided conflict.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you had a conflict with someone. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to address the conflict assertively. First, Describe the situation without blaming. Then, Express how it affected you. Assert your needs clearly and respectfully, and Reinforce the importance of resolving the conflict for both parties. Stay Mindful of your goals, Appear Confident, and be ready to Negotiate if necessary.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how to address conflict using DEAR MAN. The therapist encourages them to focus on staying calm and clear while expressing their needs.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing addressing conflict. Did using DEAR MAN help them feel more prepared to handle disagreements?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use DEAR MAN to address conflict? Did this practice help you feel more confident in managing disagreements?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you resolve conflicts more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you navigate disagreements in a respectful and assertive way?”

Activity 9: Staying Mindful During DEAR MAN Conversations

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice the “Mindful” aspect of the DEAR MAN strategy, which involves staying focused on their goals during difficult conversations without getting distracted by emotions or the other person’s reactions.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on staying mindful during DEAR MAN conversations. The goal is to remain focused on your goals and not get distracted by emotions or reactions.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent conversation where they became emotionally reactive or lost focus on their goals. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can stay more mindful in future conversations.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a conversation where you became distracted by emotions or reactions. Now, practice using DEAR MAN while staying mindful of your goals. Focus on your goal without getting pulled into emotional reactions or distractions. If the conversation becomes heated, remind yourself to stay calm and centered on what you want to achieve.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing staying mindful during a DEAR MAN conversation. The therapist encourages them to remain focused on their goals and avoid getting caught up in distractions or emotional responses.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing mindfulness in conversations. Did focusing on their goals help them stay calm and in control?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to stay mindful during a conversation? Did this practice help you feel more focused on your goals and less reactive?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how staying mindful can help you remain calm and centered during difficult conversations. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing mindfulness help you manage emotions and reactions during important discussions?”

Activity 10: Rehearsing Confidence with DEAR MAN

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice appearing confident while using the DEAR MAN strategy, even if they feel uncertain or anxious. Confidence can help clients assert themselves more effectively and improve the outcome of conversations.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on rehearsing confidence while using DEAR MAN. The goal is to appear calm and confident during conversations, even if you feel uncertain.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when they felt anxious or uncertain during a conversation. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how projecting confidence might have improved the situation.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you felt anxious during a conversation and struggled to assert yourself. Now, practice using DEAR MAN while appearing confident. Focus on maintaining good posture, eye contact, and a calm voice, even if you feel nervous. Rehearsing confidence helps you assert yourself more effectively.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing confidence while rehearsing a DEAR MAN conversation. The therapist encourages them to focus on projecting confidence through their body language and tone of voice.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing confidence. Did appearing confident help them feel more in control, even if they were nervous?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice appearing confident? Did this practice help you feel more assertive and capable during conversations?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how projecting confidence can help you use DEAR MAN more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing confidence improve your ability to express yourself clearly and assertively?”

Activity 11: Negotiating Solutions with DEAR MAN

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice the “Negotiate” aspect of the DEAR MAN strategy by working on finding a middle ground during conflicts or difficult conversations. Clients will focus on balancing their needs with the other person’s while remaining assertive.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using DEAR MAN to negotiate solutions. The goal is to find a compromise that works for both parties while maintaining your assertiveness.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a situation where they had to negotiate a solution, such as resolving a conflict or making a decision with someone. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they usually handle negotiation.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you had to negotiate a solution, like resolving a disagreement or making a joint decision. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to stay assertive while negotiating. Focus on describing your needs clearly, expressing your feelings, and being open to finding a compromise. Reinforce the benefits of reaching an agreement that works for both of you.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing negotiation using DEAR MAN. The therapist encourages them to focus on balancing assertiveness with flexibility and listening to the other person’s needs.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing negotiation. Did using DEAR MAN help them feel more confident in finding a compromise?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to negotiate using DEAR MAN? Did this practice help you feel more comfortable balancing your needs with others’?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN to negotiate can help you find solutions that work for everyone. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing negotiation help you resolve conflicts and maintain healthy relationships?”

Activity 12: Role-Playing Common DEAR MAN Scenarios

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice DEAR MAN by role-playing common scenarios, such as making requests, setting boundaries, or negotiating with others. The goal is to help clients gain confidence in applying the DEAR MAN strategy to everyday situations.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on role-playing DEAR MAN scenarios. The goal is to practice applying DEAR MAN in different situations to help you feel more comfortable using the strategy in real life.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about common situations where they might use DEAR MAN, such as asking for help, negotiating with a co-worker, or setting a boundary with a friend. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they typically approach these scenarios.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a situation where you might use DEAR MAN, like making a request or setting a boundary. Now, practice role-playing the conversation, either with a partner or by imagining both sides of the dialogue. Use the DEAR MAN steps to guide your communication and practice being clear, assertive, and respectful.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes role-playing common DEAR MAN scenarios, either in pairs or on their own. The therapist encourages them to focus on staying calm and following the DEAR MAN steps.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after role-playing DEAR MAN scenarios. Did practicing the steps help them feel more confident in handling similar situations in real life?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to role-play DEAR MAN scenarios? Did this practice help you feel more prepared to use DEAR MAN in everyday situations?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how role-playing DEAR MAN scenarios can help you build confidence in using the strategy. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing these scenarios help you apply DEAR MAN more effectively in real-life situations?”

Activity 13: Rehearsing DEAR MAN in Emotionally Charged Situations

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice using DEAR MAN in emotionally charged situations, such as disagreements or difficult conversations where emotions may run high. The focus is on staying calm and assertive while managing strong emotions.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using DEAR MAN in emotionally charged situations. The goal is to practice staying calm and assertive while managing strong emotions during difficult conversations.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a situation where emotions ran high during a conversation or disagreement. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how their emotions influenced the way they communicated.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a conversation where emotions ran high, and you found it difficult to stay calm or assertive. Now, practice using DEAR MAN to stay focused on your goals and manage your emotions. First, describe the situation and your feelings, but try to stay calm and centered. Then, express your needs assertively while reinforcing the importance of resolving the issue. Stay mindful of your emotions, appear confident, and be ready to negotiate if necessary.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes rehearsing DEAR MAN in an emotionally charged situation. The therapist encourages them to focus on staying calm and using DEAR MAN steps even when emotions are strong.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after rehearsing DEAR MAN in an emotionally charged situation. Did practicing the steps help them feel more in control of their emotions?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use DEAR MAN in an emotionally charged situation? Did this practice help you stay calm and assertive even when emotions were high?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using DEAR MAN can help you manage difficult conversations more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing DEAR MAN in emotionally charged situations help you stay calm and in control during difficult conversations?”

Activity 14: Reviewing Past Conversations with DEAR MAN

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients review past conversations where they could have used DEAR MAN more effectively. By reflecting on these conversations, clients can learn how to apply DEAR MAN to similar situations in the future.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on reviewing past conversations where DEAR MAN could have helped. The goal is to reflect on how you handled the conversation and how using DEAR MAN might have changed the outcome.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a past conversation where they struggled to express their needs or manage a conflict. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what went well and what could have been improved.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a past conversation where you struggled to express your needs or manage a conflict. Now, practice reviewing the conversation through the lens of DEAR MAN. How could you have described the situation more clearly? How might expressing your feelings or asserting your needs have changed the conversation? Reflect on how DEAR MAN could have helped and what you could do differently next time.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reviewing past conversations and considering how using DEAR MAN might have changed the outcome. The therapist encourages them to focus on specific steps they could have used more effectively.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after reviewing past conversations. Did reflecting on the conversation through the lens of DEAR MAN help them see how they could have communicated more effectively?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to review a past conversation through the lens of DEAR MAN? Did this practice help you understand how to improve your communication in the future?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how reviewing past conversations can help you apply DEAR MAN more effectively. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could reflecting on past conversations help you improve your communication skills in the future?”

Activity 15: Setting Goals for DEAR MAN Practice

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients set specific goals for practicing DEAR MAN in their daily lives. By identifying situations where they can apply DEAR MAN, clients can build confidence and become more skilled in using the strategy.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on setting goals for DEAR MAN practice. The goal is to identify specific situations where you can apply DEAR MAN in your daily life.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about upcoming situations where they might need to use DEAR MAN, such as making requests, negotiating, or setting boundaries. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can apply the strategy in these situations.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about upcoming situations where you might need to use DEAR MAN. Now, set specific goals for how you’ll apply the strategy. Identify the situation, and practice thinking through each step of DEAR MAN—describe, express, assert, reinforce, stay mindful, appear confident, and negotiate. Setting goals for practice helps you build confidence and improve your communication skills.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes setting goals for practicing DEAR MAN in real-life situations. The therapist encourages them to focus on specific conversations or interactions where they can apply the strategy.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after setting goals for DEAR MAN practice. Did identifying specific situations help them feel more prepared to apply the strategy?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to set goals for DEAR MAN practice? Did this practice help you feel more confident in using the strategy?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how setting goals for DEAR MAN practice can help you improve your communication skills. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could setting specific goals help you build confidence in using DEAR MAN in your daily life?”