Stand up and be heard! With more than 100,000 copies sold, this fully revised and updated self-help classic by psychologist Randy J. Paterson—author of How to Be Miserable—will help you get started today.

Do you feel uncomfortable in situations where you disagree with others? Do you struggle to express your opinions or assert your boundaries? If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by confrontation, or have bitten your tongue rather than offer an opposing point of view, you know that a lack of assertiveness can leave you feeling marginalized and powerless. Assertiveness is a critical skill that not only influences your professional success, but also your personal happiness! So, how can you make sure your voice is heard?

The Assertiveness Workbook contains powerfully effective skills grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you communicate more effectively, improve social interactions, and express yourself with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to set and maintain personal boundaries while staying connected, and discover ways to be more genuine and open in your relationships. Finally, you’ll learn to defend yourself calmly if you’re unfairly criticized or asked to submit to unreasonable requests.

Fully revised and updated—this new edition includes information on the impact of social media, mini-dialogs to help you navigate tricky social interactions, and skills to shift your behaviors to be more assertive—so you can improve your communication skills, and your life!

Randy J. Paterson's profile page

Randy J. Paterson, PhD, is a psychologist, and author of How to Be Miserable and How to Be Miserable in Your Twenties. He is director of Changeways Clinic in Vancouver, BC, Canada; and provides training programs across Canada and internationally on evidence-based mental health practice. Learn more at www.randypaterson.com.

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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