#57 Microdose on DBT’s DEAR MAN: Mastering the Art of Asking for What You Want with Dr. Sameena Groves

In today’s microdose episode, we dive deep into one of the most powerful tools in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – the DEAR MAN skill. We welcome Dr. Sameena Groves, a clinical psychologist and DBT expert, to explore how this assertiveness technique can help navigate tough conversations, set boundaries, and communicate effectively during your college years (and beyond).Dr. Groves walks us through the steps of DEAR MAN, which is an acronym for:Describe: Lay out the facts without judgment.Express: Share how the situation impacts you emotionally.Assert: Ask for what you want or say no to something you don’t want.Reinforce: Explain why the other person might benefit from meeting your request.Mindful: Stay focused on the issue at hand, without being swayed by distractions or defensive responses.Appear Confident: Deliver your request with a calm, firm, and neutral tone, even if you're not feeling 100% confident.Dr. Sameena Groves is a cognitive-behavioral therapist in private practice in New York City, Westchester and the Zoomsphere. She helps Type A adolescents, college students and adults develop new ways to strive for a great life while doing (slightly) less, practicing self-kindness, and questioning the code of hustle culture. She believes that good therapy consists of teamwork, trying things outside of your comfort zone, being kind to yourself, and enjoying the bumpy process of personal growth. She takes her cues from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, two approaches favored by the team at College is Fine. Fun Fact: Dr. Groves and Dr. Olivo met during postdoctoral training at the NYU Child Study Center and built a private practice together over a decade ago! Dr. Sameena Grove's private practice: https://www.cityandcountrycbt.com/Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcastTik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcastEmail: [email protected] is Deadbeats by Rex Banner