Tips for Women on Being Assertive

For various reasons it's difficult for many women to be assertive and ask for what they think, feel and want. To help understand why it's difficult for some women to be assertive and for tips on what women could do to be assertive, I have interviewed psychotherapist Risa Hobson, MA, LPC.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a licensed professional counselor with a Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Western Seminary . I have over 14 years of experience working in the social service and counseling fields. This experience has included the development and use of group curriculum for adolescent and adult women covering such topics as empowerment, anger management , depression, and relationships. In addition to owning my own practice, I teach a variety of college courses in psychology and human development. I am passionate about journeying with others as they discover more about who they are and how they want to be in the world."

Why is it difficult for some women to be assertive?
"The reasons are different for everyone. For some it may have more to do with personality traits or current emotional state, while for others it may have more to do with the culture or family in which they were raised or particularly impactful life experiences. Because being assertive requires a person to have a strong sense of self as well as healthy interpersonal boundaries, a woman could be experiencing challenges in either or both of these areas. Often women have just simply not had good role models in this area, or have developed misconceptions about what being assertive really looks like."

What are some tips for women on being assertive?
"There are three areas that I often work on with clients. Each has a part to play in creating both a better understanding of self, as well as healthier boundaries within relationships.

Develop your ability to identify and evaluate your thoughts and emotions. Practice experiencing them in the moment when they occur.

Develop your ability to listen to and be in tune with your own needs. Determine healthy ways you would like to have those needs met. Then practice asking for those needs to be met in new ways.

Develop your ability to communicate in a way that demonstrates you have the utmost respect for yourself, as well as for others. Practice this in a variety of relationships and settings."

What type of professional help is available for a woman that has a difficult time being assertive?
"The most common options include individual, couples, family, or group counseling. Each method presents different tools and techniques, but all of them provide opportunities for growth toward assertiveness. Individual counseling allows for a stronger focus on self and desired life changes. Couples or family counseling enables family members to practice new ways of engaging with each other, creating an environment that is more respectful of individual and relational needs. Group counseling provides the opportunity for members to share with, learn from, and support one another as they work towards a common goal."

Thank you Risa for doing the interview on tips for women on being assertive. For more information on Risa Hobson or her work you can check out her website on http://www.wtlcounseling.com /.

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http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2915570/social_anxiety_disorder_signs_and_preventive.html?cat=70">Social Anxiety Disorder

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