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

Randy J. Paterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2000

Effective communication is a critical skill that influences your professional success, the stability of your family life, and your personal happiness. Your ability to communicate effectively is seriously hampered if you can't assert yourself constructively. If you've ever felt paralyzed by an imposing individual or strongly argued opposing point of view, you know that a lack of assertiveness can leave you feeling marginalized and powerless. The Assertiveness Workbook contains effective, cognitive behavioral techniques to help you become more assertive. Learn how to set and maintain personal boundaries without becoming inaccessible. Become more genuine and open in relationships without fearing attack. Defend yourself when you are criticized or asked to submit to unreasonable requests.

This book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties. Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Assertiveness problems—including excessive unassertiveness, aggressiveness, and passive-aggressiveness—afflict millions of people, leading to suffering and undermining potentials for happy, fulfilling lives. In The Assertiveness Workbook, Dr. Randy J. Paterson combines science and clinical experience to create the definitive guide for overcoming assertiveness problems. Blending wisdom, wit, and compassions, this sophisticated yet highly readable volume shows people how to improve their assertiveness in a structured, step-by-step fashion. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to improve their assertiveness, and for therapists treating assertiveness problems.”
—Steven Taylor, Ph.D., R.Psych., Associate Professor, University of British Columbia, and Associate Editor of Behavior Research and Therapy

“This workbook will be a welcome resource to individuals currently struggling with assertiveness difficulties. It will not only help people tackle assertiveness issues, but also target such important topics as need for control, conflict management, and even acceptance of compliments. In short, it holds the potential to effectively change your life.”
—Brian Coz, Ph.D., C.Psych., Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, and author of more than 100 published research articles on anxiety disorders and depression

About the Author

Randy J Paterson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the Coordinator of Changeways, a depression treatment program at Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and associate faculty in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Colombia. Dr. Paterson has taught over 1200 therapists in the course of more than 100 training seminars on topics such as assertiveness training, depression, and stress management.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (December 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572242094
• ISBN-13: 978-1572242098
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Psychology & Counseling > Social Psychology & Interactions
  • #65 in Books > Self-Help > Self-Esteem
  • #70 in Books > Business & Investing > Skills > Communications

More About the Author

I am a psychologist in Vancouver Canada, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and related difficulties. In 2002 I established Changeways Clinic (www.changeways.com), which now has seven psychologists. As well as seeing clients, we create treatment protocols and resources for clinicians. Our group therapy protocol for depression, The Core Program, is the most widely used protocol in Canada, and has been implemented in the USA, Great Britain, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and elsewhere. I've recorded many of the stories and exercises we use in the group as a series of eight one-hour talks, and have packaged that with the participants' manual - it's available for purchase from the clinic website.

In 2000, the Changeways protocol for communication skills training formed the foundation of The Assertiveness Workbook, from New Harbinger Publications. In 2002 the same publisher brought out Your Depression Map. Most recently, Private Practice Made Simple was published in June 2010.

I write books, resources, and protocols somewhat narcissistically. Is this something that I would want to read or use? I aim for clarity, a minimum of jargon, and something that can readily be put into practice. I have a few writing projects in the works at the moment, and hope to come out with additional books in the coming years.

I also enjoy teaching, and have offered over 200 training workshops for mental health clinicians on cognitive behaviour therapy, the treatment of depression and anxiety, diversity awareness, and private practice management. In 2012 I will be offering a workshop series on practice management (based on Private Practice Made Simple) in cities across Canada. Many of my workshops are sponsored by outside agencies such as health management organizations; information on hosting is available at the www.changeways.com website.

In 2009 the Clinic initiated PsychologySalon, a monthly talk series offered in Vancouver for the general public. In spring 2011 I launched www.psychologysalon.com, a blog on psychology and professional practice.

In my private time I enjoy travel, and I operate a small orchard in the British Columbia interior. Many of the pictures on my blog come from the farm, and these days much of my writing is done there.

Additional resources for therapists are available for purchase from the www.changeways.com website. As well, I have an online course on diaphragmatic breathing at www.udemy.com/breathing-made-easy/.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 118 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY IT NOW! June 16, 2007

By Cecilia

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're reading this review, you probably suspect that you have a problem with assertiveness, so take the first step towards improving your life by purchasing this book. If you have a problem saying no to unreasonable requests, if your legitimate and reasonable requests for what you need are repeatedly denied, ignored, or trivialized, if you feel surrounded by manipulative, controlling people, if you have been in a long-term verbally abusive relationship, if you are easily intimidated by aggressive people, or even if you're just mildly curious, this book will be invaluable to you. It's not just a quick read, though. It has thought-provoking exercises to help you determine why you have difficulty asserting yourself as well as practice exercises to prepare you to be assertive when the need arises. Even if you don't think you need improvement, this book is a great resource on communication.

76 of 81 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A portable behavior coach March 13, 2005

By N. Larrabee

Format:Paperback

Being a passive personality, I went looking for some kind of guidance after a recent confrontation. It goes through many basic terms and concepts of human relationships and behavior. The author wants us to understand assertiveness before trying to put new ways of thinking into practice. The important part of the author's lesson is reminding us that assertiveness is part of a person's behavior but is not the person. It builds up to the ten steps of preparing for a confrontation. The written exercises are useful, the diagrams and check boxes not so much. Some terms were basic but many times when things are not working right, we have to be reminded of the basics. Personally, I would not choose to use the assertiveness scorecards in my regular day-to-day routine. It goes over what a DESO script, Describe, Express, Script, Outcome; could mean to anybody's personal and work relationships. How one can change a few steps in giving criticism to create positive feedback. The Assertiveness workbook makes you take a breath, and think before speaking. Clear, easy-to-read, straight-to-the-point chapters are there to help when needed.

111 of 123 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A practical Book February 16, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book was easy to read, easy to understand and very easy to apply immediately to life circumstances. I particularly found useful the chart of behaviors and the aspects of appearance very well written, vivid and clear. This book was full of accurate user friendly information that anyone would be able to apply in their lives whatever their circumstance or job.