Therapist’s Overview

COMMUNICATING ASSERTIVELY

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. Increase the ability to communicate needs assertively.

2. Decrease aggressive communication.

ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

• Anger Management Solving a Problem Page 40

• ADHD Stop and Think Page 84
• Conduct Disorder I’m So Frustrated I Could Page 101
Burst
• Conduct Disorder Putting It into Perspective Page 106
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder Improved Communication Page 200
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder Conflict Resolution Page 212
• Peer Conflict Compromise Page 218
• Peer Conflict Reactions Page 222

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Conduct Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Peer Conflict

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT

Children exhibiting disruptive behavior frequently have aggressive communication styles. Rather
than communicating their needs assertively, they make demands aggressively. This homework
assignment encourages the child to consider alternative strategies to manage conflict. In the
therapy session, review the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive responses to
various situations. The use of assertive communication can significantly decrease disruptive
behavior. Review and practice responses to conflict situations in the session. Utilize role-playing
to help the child begin to learn to use more assertive communication when facing conflict.
 Therapist’s Overview

Review the three scenarios presented in the homework assignment. Review the three types of
responses, and instruct the child to illustrate examples of each response. The drawings will help
to reinforce learning from the session.
 EXERCISE IX.B

COMMUNICATING ASSERTIVELY

You are in school and the teacher falsely accuses you of not completing a homework assignment.

Draw a picture of a passive response.

Draw a picture of an aggressive response.

Draw a picture of an assertive response.

 EXERCISE IX.B

Your friend borrows your favorite toy and loses it.

Draw a picture of a passive response.

Draw a picture of an aggressive response.

Draw a picture of an assertive response.

 EXERCISE IX.B

Your friend falsely accuses you of lying.

Draw a picture of a passive response.

Draw a picture of an aggressive response.

Draw a picture of an assertive response.