What is assertive communication?
Assertive communication is an important skill. It is the ability to express our ideas and our feelings in an open, honest and direct way, while still respecting others’ feelings and ideas. It is helpful in resolving differences and finding solutions to problems.
Some people have difficulty with being assertive. At work, with our families, in relationships, the desire to be “nice” and to be liked by others, can get in the way of communicating our own needs. When a person is not assertive, they can end up feeling helpless, or feeling taken advantage of, and this can lead to depression and anxiety. Being assertive does not mean being aggressive or disrespectful. Learning to be assertive means learning to find a balance between being passive and being aggressive. An assertive person still considers other people’s feelings, but also pays attention to their own feelings, and communicates their needs to others. Being assertive means you learn to be direct and honest about your opinions and your needs.
If you think that you would benefit from learning how to use more assertive communication, therapy can help you. Contact me to set up an appointment.