The featured song of the week is “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid.
Here are the lyrics Ariel uses to describe how she feels:
I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see ’em dancin’
Walking around on those, what do you call ’em?
Oh, feet
She then Asserts what she wants here:
Up where they walk, up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wanderin’ free, wish I could be
Part of that world
How can we rewrite this to be a true DEARMAN?
D- Describe the situation
E- Express your feelings and opinions
A- Assertively ask or say no
R- Reinforce the person you are asking
M- Stay mindful of your goal
A- Appear confident
N- Negotiate for other options
I had a client complete Ariel’s DEAR MAN and then we applied the “DEAR MAN” formula to her situation.
Writing a “DEAR MAN” script as a Disney character is a genius way to demonstrate this skill in a non-threatening, fun way. This genius idea came from one of my DBT Informed Music Therapy teachers, Suzanne Makary, MT-BC.
Can you think of any other Disney characters that need a “DEAR MAN”?
Let us know how it goes.
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**For a library of resources, including in-depth instructions for using common songs for DBT skills, plus our own original songs and ready-made activities, specifically created by DBT Informed Board Certified Music Therapists to strengthen particular DBT skills, click below and join the program that applies to you.
Have a Musical Monday!
Hillary Cartner-Ambrose, MT-BC 
DBT Informed Music Therapist
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