Low Confidence And Lack Of Assertiveness

Many people have difficulty speaking up in conflict situations. Others may feel intimidated by pushy people, or have low self-esteem and regularly put aside their own desires in favour of what others want. This can result in a variety of psychological problems, especially depression, with feelings of low self-esteem as well as a sense of lack of control and helplessness. A lack of assertiveness can make you feel powerless.

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists use assertiveness training, which is a behavioural technique, in combination with Cognitive Therapy, to help you develop the necessary social skills to manage interpersonal situations more effectively, and to feel better about yourself in those interpersonal situations. In particular, assertiveness training teaches you how to refuse unreasonable requests from others, how to assert your rights in a non-aggressive manner, and how to negotiate to get what you want in your relationships with others.

Becoming more assertive results in improved self-esteem and decisive communication. At the end of the programme, you will be equipped to manage interpersonal situations more effectively.

Assertiveness requires a change in attitude as well as a change in behaviour. We interact with others based on a set of beliefs about status (who is better or more important), about how we should behave in social situations and about what consequences we expect from our behaviour. Non-assertive people worry about making a bad impression on everyone (including those who treat them badly). They also worry about looking foolish in front of others and are fearful of negative consequences most of the time.

Making a good impression, avoiding public embarrassment, and protecting yourself are all important traits, but non-assertive people take them too far. They tend to give in to others. Assertiveness training helps you learn how to judge when it is reasonable and appropriate to stand your ground, rather than to give in to others. It is not about being pushy or aggressive.

Our Assertiveness programme focuses on the development of the following social skills:

* Making requests.

* Rejecting requests without feeling guilty or selfish.

* Expressing healthy criticism and dislike.

* Accepting criticism from others.

* Communicating empathy.

* Expressing opinions.

* Initiating and maintaining conversations.

* Dating skills (where necessary).

* Giving and receiving compliments.

Being assertive protects against depression, boosts our self-esteem, and fosters honest and open communication with others.

You can now make an appointment to help you to increase your self-worth, be more assertive, and feel better about yourself or call on 02890586361 or by email if you have any doubts before starting CBT therapy.