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Assertiveness

Assertiveness may come naturally to some but for many it is a learned skill. When you are assertive you have the ability to express your thoughts, feelings and values while respecting the feelings and rights of others.

Assertive communication is honest, open, appropriately direct, respectful and is not aggresive. When someone is aggressive they stand up for themselves but in a way that violates the rights of others. Assertive communication has the potential to create a forum for open discussion even when there are conflicting opinions. If you are able to master the skill of assertiveness you will have the ability to improve relationships by reducing interpersonal conflict which can be a major source of stress.

How can counselling help?

Through counseling you will learn to understand the different obstacles that prevent you from being assertive as well as learn how to overcome them. Often a lack of assertiveness is based on a value and belief system about ourselves that is negative and faulty. Counselling can help you develop more effective ways of expressing yourself. Effective communication is a key factor in assertiveness and counseling can enhance both your verbal and non-verbal communication style. By increasing your ability to assert yourself in a healthy way you will develop a sense of personal awareness as well as enhanced knowledge about how to respond to others. This will have the effect of increasing the quality of your interpersonal relationships.