The Assertiveness Workbook

“The Assertiveness Workbook shows that it’s actually possible to have great relationships with the difficult people in our lives. The secret? Change our own behavior, not theirs. I’m grateful for this smart, pragmatic guide.” –Charles Montgomery, author of Happy City–Charles Montgomery“Assertiveness problems–including excessive unassertiveness, aggressiveness, and passive-aggressiveness–afflict millions of people, leading to suffering and undermining potential for happy, fulfilling lives. In The Assertiveness Workbook, Randy J. Paterson combines science and clinical experience to create the definitive guide for overcoming assertiveness problems. Blending wisdom, wit, and compassion, 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, PhD, RPsych, associate professor at the University of British Columbia, and associate editor of Behavior Research and Therapy–Steven Taylor, PhD, RPsych“If you’d like to be more assertive, the only question to ask yourself is, ‘Am I willing to do something to help myself?’ If the answer is yes, congratulations! You’ve found a guide to ‘do assertiveness’–that is, to be who you are and effectively assert yourself. Give yourself permission to get out of your own way, and simply follow Randy’s workbook. Identify what parts resonate and work there; don’t fret about any parts that don’t. He’s giving you a gift to courageously be you. And I’m cheering for you to do just that.” –Molly Tschang, founder of Abella Consulting, and creator of the Say It Skillfully radio show/podcast and video series–Molly Tschang“Once again, Randy Paterson takes our current understanding of clinical psychology and transforms it into a very readable, thoughtful, clear, and practical approach to solving the problems that affect many of our lives. Combined with his self-effacing humor, he has made a great clinical resource even better.” –Ian R. Nicholson, PhD, past president of the Canadian Psychological Association–Ian R. Nicholson, PhD“The longer I practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the more clearly I see that assertiveness is a critical component of successful psychological coping. Randy Paterson’s assertiveness training workbook is the best resource available: user-friendly, evidence-informed, and effective. It belongs on every bookshelf.” –Dan Bilsker, PhD, coauthor of Psychological Health and Safety–Dan Bilsker, PhD“This is an exceptional book, full of sage observations and clinical wisdom from an accomplished therapist and author. Readers will be fully engaged by the lively writing, case studies, and colorful examples used to illustrate key concepts. A great read!” –Lynn Alden, PhD, clinical psychologist, and coeditor of International Handbook of Social Anxiety–Lynn Alden, PhD“This updated edition of The Assertiveness Workbook is authoritative, clear, practical, and replete with evidence-based strategies to become a more assertive person. If you struggle with how to give or receive feedback, state an opinion, or assertively confront others, this is the book you have been waiting for!” –Keith S. Dobson, PhD, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Calgary, and president of the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies–Keith S. Dobson, PhD“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 Cox, PhD, CPsych, psychologist, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, and author of more than one hundred published research articles on anxiety disorders and depression–Brian Cox, PhD, CPsych

Randy J. Paterson, PhD, is a psychologist and director of Changeways Clinic—a private psychotherapy service—in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He is author of The Assertiveness Workbook, How to Be Miserable, and Your Depression Map; and coauthor of the free online Antidepressant Skills Workbook. He presents lectures and workshops internationally on topics, including mental health policy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the nature and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, and the failure-to-launch phenomenon.