Assertiveness training enables you to meet your own needs in a way that leaves no ‘unfinished business’ for any of the other people involved. Assertive behaviour lies between aggressive and passive behaviour. Aggressive people may shout “No” and refuse to do something to the cost of others. Passive people may do something they didn't want to do and feel angry or resentful later. When being “passive/aggressive” we may agree to do something, but then not do it and play dumb so that others don't know where they stand. And all these behaviours can lead to stress for yourself and for others and we all tend to have a leaning toward one of these traits. With assertive behaviour, you are able to recognise what you want, or don't want, and to respond in a way that meets your needs, and those of others.
Assertiveness training can be a reason for coming for therapy in its own right but equally, it is often an integral part of the treatment for other issues and so the number of sessions required will vary.
As an alternative to therapy however, you may be interested in the personal development and motivation workshops I run. Please see
www.sycamorework.co.uk for more information.
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