Week 7: Taking Responsibility
During this session we will discuss the concept of assertiveness. You will be provided with suggestions on how to become assertive in your communication with people important in your life, including the health professionals. Good communication skills are known to reduce the amount of everyday stress.
Click on the link below to listen to an
Introduction to Assertiveness.
As human beings we all have certain basic rights. Developing assertiveness involves recognizing that you, just as much as anyone else, have a right to all of the things listed below. By taking time to read through this list each day, you will eventually learn to accept that you are entitled to each one of the rights listed.
Personal Bill of Rights
I have the right to ask for what I want
I have the right to say no to requests or demands I can’t meet
I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative
I have the right to change my mind
I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect
I have the right to follow my own values and standards
I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values
I have the right to determine my own priorities
I have the right not to be responsible for other’s behaviour, actions, feelings, or problems
I have the right to expect honesty from others
I have the right to be angry at someone I love
I have the right to be uniquely myself
I have the right to feel scared and say “I’m afraid”
I have the right to say “I don’t know”
I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behaviour
I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings
I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time
I have the right to be playful and frivolous
I have the right to be in a non-abusive relationship
I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people
I have the right to change and grow
I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others
I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect
I have the right to be happy
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook written by Bourne, E. (2000)
Assertiveness Exercises
Below you will find a number of worksheets which will help you guage where you are on the assertiveness scale and how to develop the skills you need to be assertive.