Assertiveness and Communication Skills
For many people, a lack of confidence when it comes to being assertive and communicating effectively is a large part of their anxiety, depression, work, or relationship difficulties. Assertiveness and effective communication is not just something you are born with - it is a skill. Like any skill, with a better understanding about how it works, and with lots of practice, anyone can improve the way in which they communicate with others. Assertiveness involves being aware of your own needs, being able to express your needs in an appropriate way, being able to ask for help, saying 'no' when you want to, and also being aware of the needs of others and how to balance your own needs and wishes alongside the needs and wishes of those around you. Assertiveness training involves firstly assessing what is underlying the problem, for example anxiety, a lack of confidence, or just not knowing how to express yourself well. Skills may involve identifying negative thoughts about being assertive, looking at more helpful ways of thinking, learning new ways of communicating and, most importantly, lots of practice in session and then in situations where you find communication difficult.