Handouts.

The acronym, SIBAM, can be useful reminder in learning to garner inner self-awareness from experiences. Pausing regularly to notice and become aware of the five SIBAM categories related to current situations can allow us access to important information during difficult moments. This awareness then allows us to ultimately allow the body to finish processing the experience to a natural conclusion.

When we check into the various categories of SIBAM, being able to name ‘it’ can help tame ‘it.’

Used as a tool to visualize and determine what a person can do to help themself deal with stress, the Window of Tolerance depicts the optimal zone of “arousal” for a person to function in everyday life. When a person is operating within this zone or window, they can effectively manage and cope with their emotions.

If your decisions align with your values, worry and doubt about real or perceived consequences can be softened. Even if there are consequences to asserting your boundaries, you may experience more confidence or less fear about your decisions.

Most couples who experience conflict or difficult interactions will also notice that they follow a familiar and repetitive pattern - a negative cycle.

Not quite sure how to go about setting a boundary? Not sure what the boundary is even, but you know something isn’t sitting right.

The DEAR MAN skill focuses on us. We use DEAR MAN to get our wants and needs met, to say no, and to set boundaries.