The Assertiveness Workbook: How to Express Your Ideas and Stand Up for Yourself at Work and in Relationships

Stand up and be heard! With more than 100,000 copies sold, this fully revised and updated self-help classic by psychologist Randy J. Paterson--author of How to Be Miserable--will help you get started today.

Do you feel uncomfortable in situations where you disagree with others? Do you struggle to express your opinions or assert your boundaries? If you've ever felt paralyzed by confrontation, or have bitten your tongue rather than offer an opposing point of view, you know that a lack of assertiveness can leave you feeling marginalized and powerless. Assertiveness is a critical skill that not only influences your professional success, but also your personal happiness! So, how can you make sure your voice is heard?

The Assertiveness Workbook contains powerfully effective skills grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you communicate more effectively, improve social interactions, and express yourself with confidence and clarity. You'll learn how to set and maintain personal boundaries while staying connected, and discover ways to be more genuine and open in your relationships. Finally, you'll learn to defend yourself calmly if you're unfairly criticized or asked to submit to unreasonable requests.

Fully revised and updated--this new edition includes information on the impact of social media, mini-dialogs to help you navigate tricky social interactions, and skills to shift your behaviors to be more assertive--so you can improve your communication skills, and your life!

ISBN-13: 9781648480270

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: New Harbinger Publications

Publication Date: 09-01-2022

Pages: 248

Product Dimensions: 6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Randy J. Paterson, PhD, is a psychologist, and author of How to Be Miserable and How to Be Miserable in Your Twenties. He is director of Changeways Clinic in Vancouver, BC, Canada; and provides training programs across Canada and internationally on evidence-based mental health practice. Learn more at www.randypaterson.com.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition vii

Part 1 On the Launchpad

Chapter 1 Being There 2

Chapter 2 The Four Communication Styles 12

Chapter 3 Ten Principles of Assertiveness 32

Part 2 Leaping the Barriers to Assertiveness

Chapter 4 Overcoming the Stress Barrier 46

Chapter 5 Overcoming the Social Barrier 57

Chapter 6 Overcoming the Belief Barrier 69

Chapter 7 The Assertive Mindset 79

Part 3 Becoming Assertive

Chapter 8 Becoming Visible: Nonverbal Behavior 92

Chapter 9 Being Present; Giving Your Opinion 107

Chapter 10 How to Accept a Gift: Receiving Positive Feedback 118

Chapter 11 Giving Helpful Positive Feedback 127

Chapter 12 Taking the Heat: Receiving Negative Feedback 138

Chapter 13 Constructive, Not Critical: Giving Corrective Feedback 156

Chapter 14 Defending Your Boundaries: The Assertive No 169

Chapter 15 Making Requests Without Controlling Others 179

Chapter 16 Countdown to Confrontation 190

Chapter 17 Constructive Confrontation 202

Postscript Being You 221

Acknowledgments 223

Assertiveness Scorecards 225

Request Worksheet 227

Additional Reading 229

References 231