Category: ,

Assertiveness

By
Roert E. Alberti, Ph.D.
Michael L. Emmons, Ph.D.

Course Outline

“. . . sets the standard for self-help books . . .”

1.3 million copies in print! Totally updated ninth edition of the most-honored assertiveness manual. All new material on social intelligence, personal boundaries, brain research, handling criticism, assertiveness in email and social networks, expressing anger, overcoming social anxiety, being persistent, what to do when assertiveness doesn’t work:

This is the guide most often recommended by therapists.

“The assertiveness bible; helps the non-assertive speak up and the aggressive tone down.” USA TODAY

“. . . filled with a wealth of examples on how to cope with everyday situations . . . counters feelings of futility.” The Los Angeles Times

“. . .  without a peer in the field . . . truly a classic.” Aaron Beck, M.D. Psychiatrist Author, Love Is Never Enough

“Not only is it the best book on assertiveness, it sets the standard for self-help books in general.”
Gary Emery, Ph.D., Psychologist Author, Overcoming Depression

“Your Perfect Right is the gold standard . . . for self-help.” Allen Fay, M.D., Psychiatrist, Author I Can If I Want To

“There are many practicale guides to assertive living, but his is without question, the best:”
Cyril Franks, Ph.D., Psychologist
Editor, Child and Family Behavior Therapy

“5-star Highly Recommended rating in the national survey . . . Some mental health professionals call [it]’the assertiveness bible,’ they think so highly of it . . . this is an excellent self-help book.: The Authoritative Guide to Self-Help Books.

About Authors

Roert E. Alberti, Ph.D., is a psychologist, editor, consultant, Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Michael L. Emmons, Ph.D., is a psychologist in private practice and consultant to educational, government and business organizations.

Learning Objectives

  1. Provide a definition of healthy assertive action.
  2. Describe how the goal of achieving equality in a multicultural, pluralistic society has become challenging.
  3. Give Assertiveness Inventory test to your clients.
  4. Help your clients prepare the Personal Growth Log.
  5. Discuss various elements of the definition of assertiveness.
  6. Contrast assertive, nonassertive and aggressive actions.
  7. Classify assertive and aggressive behaviors.
  8. Select various social, familial and work-related situations and formulate assertive, nonassertive and aggressive responses to each situation.
  9. Identify and expound upon the key components of assertive behavior.
  10. Identify three major characteristics of healthy personal growth and describe the behavioral model based on these qualities.
  11. Describe the deleterious effect of the continuous cycle of attitude, behavior and feedback.
  12. Identify the thoughts that get in the way of self-assertion.
  13. Explain to a client three “cognitive-behavioral” methods developed for dealing with thinking patterns.
  14. Explain the SUD scale and its application to assertiveness training.
  15. Explain the two methods for overcoming anxiety.
  16. Outline step-by-step the process of becoming assertive.
  17. Describe the step-by-step process for increasing your assertiveness.
  18. List 5 types of love and explain how assertiveness is important in building equal relationships.
  19. List 5 areas in anger management on which most mental health professionals agree.
  20. Distinguish between facts, theories and myths about anger.
  21. Identify 5 elements that may contribute toward making people angry.
  22. Outline 32 steps to managing anger.
  23. Explore with your client some of the most common put-down behaviors and what to do about them.
  24. Define intimacy and list six major dimensions which make for genuine intimacy.
  25. Classify various sexual communication types and describe their traits and body language.
  26. Distinguish between male and female sexual attitudes and behaviors.
  27. List some general ways in which one can practice assertion on the job.
  28. Describe how one can use his or her assertiveness skills in job search.
  29. Practice assertiveness in on-the-job relationships, dealing with supervisors and supervisees, and other coworkers.
  30. Describe 11 action steps you can take when confronted by someone who’s trying to push you around.
  31. Describe guidelines and procedures which can help when you’re confronted with a particularly difficult person or situation.
  32. Identify situations when it makes sense to be assertive and those when it’s better to walk away.
  33. List potential adverse reactions to assertiveness.

Course Contents

Part I: You and Your Perfect Right

  1. Assertiveness and You
  2. Whose Perfect Right?
  3. How Are You Assertive Now?
  4. Keep Track of Your Growth

Part II: Discovering Assertiveness

  1. What It Means to Be Assertive
  2. “Can You Give Me an Example?”
  3. It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It!

Part III: Becoming Assertive

  1. Set Goals for Yourself
  2. Thinking Assertively
  3. There’s Nothing to Be Afraid of
  4. It’s a Skill You Can Learn
  5. Take It One Step at a Time

Part IV: Applying Your Assertiveness

  1. Assertiveness Builds Equal Relationships
  2. Anger Is Not a Four-Letter Word
  3. Must We Put Up With Put-downs?
  4. Assertiveness, Intimacy, and Sexuality
  5. Assertiveness Works at Work, Too
  6. Dealing With Difficult People

Part V: Living an Assertive Life

  1. Deciding When to Be Assertive
  2. Helping Others Deal With The New Assertive You
  3. Beyond Assertiveness

Appendices

  1. Assertiveness Takes Practice
  2. References and Further Reading Assertiveness Your Perfect Right

Customer Comments

“Great text book!” -J.K.S., RN, CA

“Excellent book! I plan to reread certain chapters & start my own journal so that I can apply what I’ve learned in the areas needed in my life.” -K.C.C., PT, CA

“This book is excellent! I intend to use it frequently!” – B.E.H., RN, CA

“Very informative, interesting and easy to read.” – A.A.L., RN, CA