Assertiveness Training

assertiveness

Simultaneously attempting to maximize the person’s satisfaction of wants while also considering the wants of others. Enables a person to act in their own best interest, stand up for one’s self without undue anxiety. To express personal rights without denying the rights of others.

assertiveness training

An intervention that explores and develops personal techniques for positive verbal communication and preferred behavior responses which lead to better interpersonal relations

goals of assertiveness training

Improving self-esteem, communicating feelings, empowering individuals who have been marginalized.

Developing skills that helps one cope with social anxiety, removes emotional barriers that interfere with successful community life.

To teach people strategies to act on their needs, desires and wants by expressing their opinions while being respectful to others.

populations for assertiveness training

Physical Disabilities, Visual Impairments, Chronic Pain, Eating Disorders, At-risk youth, victims of domestic abuse, Older Adults (especially those in residential institutions), Mental Illness, Adolescents (peer pressure), substance use disorders, School Children (bullying)

assertiveness training program parameters

Group-based

ID specific situations appropriate to the client

Have the clients apply the concepts to the ID’ed situations

Expose the clients to consequences of using a variety of behaviors/responses

Practice or rehearse through role play activities

Give homework- self-assessment, tailored skills to try

training topics

• Defining communication styles

• Barriers to assertiveness

• Assertiveness rights

• How to give opinions respectfully

• Coping with criticism and confrontation

• Giving constructive feedback

• Making effective requests and saying no

• Learning to use “I” statements

• Understanding and avoiding manipulation

passive communication

-Soft voice

-Overly agreeable, no point of view expressed

-Avoidance

-Withdrawn body language

-Sound unsure, hopeless, or helpless

-Beat around the bush

passive aggressive communication

-Appears to agree but really does not agree

-Tells others but not the source of the concern

-Makes subtle digs and sarcastic remarks

-Keeps score, sets conditions

-Nonverbal message contradicts the verbal message

-Holds back expressing concerns or providing assistance

-Criticizes after the fact

aggressive communication

-Blaming, accusing

-Intimidating body language

-Demanding, ordering

-Raised voice

-Harsh, personal language

-Verbal browbeating

assertive communication

-Takes responsibility

-Takes initiative

-Listens actively

-Speaks up, is direct and constructive

-Shows sincerity

-Is solutions focused

-Assumes a confident voice and body language

-Addresses concerns directly to the source

-Requests needs

aggressive vs assertive

good chart in PPT

step 1

distinguish between Passive, Passive/Aggressive, Aggressive, Assertive styles (can take a test)

step 2

identify situations in which you want to be more effective

step 3

describe your problem scenes

Be specific.

• WHO is the person involved

• WHEN it takes place (time and place)

• WHAT bothers you?

• HOW you deal with it

• Your FEAR of what will happen if you speak up

• Your GOAL

step 4

writing your script for change

script for change

A script is a working plan for dealing with the problem scene assertively

step 5

Identify how self and others avoid assertiveness (blocking gambits)

blocking gambits

used to attack and derail your assertive requests

examples of gambits

• Laughing it off

• Accusing

• Beat-up

• Delay

• Why

• Self-pity

• Quibbling

• Threats

• Denial

step 6

develop assertive body language. eye contact, body language, and speaking with confidence

eye contact

Make steady eye contact

Maintain eye contact

Look in the right places

body language

Erect Posture

Inviting Facial

expressions

Controlled/Intentional Gestures

speaking with confidence 

Project your voice

Show inflection in your voice

Display sincerity in your tone

example client scene

“I have a lot of trouble persuading my friends to listen to me for a change. They never stop listening and I can get a word in edgewise. It would be nice for me if I could participate more in the conversations. I feel that I'm letting them run over me.“

rewritten example client scene

"My friend John (WHO), when we first met for lunch (WHEN), often goes on and on about his financial worries (WHAT), I just sit there and listen (HOW). I don't interrupt because I'm afraid that he will think that I'm rude or not interested (FEAR). I would like to share my opinions with him sometimes (GOAL)."