Overview of Session 9: Elective Skill Topic 4, Demonstrating Assertiveness
Total Time: 1 hour
Delivery Method: CBT-focused individual therapy
Materials (all forms are at the end of this section):
• Assertiveness (form 9F)
• Assertiveness Practice Exercises (form 9G)
• Chalkboard or newsprint
Goal for This Session:
• To improve the ability to express feelings and needs to others in an effective way
Session Outline:
1. Elicit client’s definition of assertiveness
2. Define aggressive, passive, passive–aggressive, and assertive
3. Explain benefits of assertiveness
• Increases chances that a person will meet goals
• Increases likelihood that a person will feel good about a situation
4. Introduce skill guidelines
• Review Assertiveness (form 9F)
• Discuss handling situations with negative consequences
5. Model assertiveness
• Role play passive, aggressive, passive–aggressive, and assertive responses
• Ask the client to identify each behavior and its influence on preventing a slip
6. Practice assertive responses to past difficult situations
• Review Assertiveness Practice Exercises (form 9G)
7. Terminate treatment