Free assertive communication worksheets for building self-esteem
This worksheet is designed to help your clients improve their self-esteem by becoming more assertive communicators.
The relationship between self-esteem & assertive communication
While low self-esteem isn’t a recognized diagnosis by the DSM, 1 in every 2 Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives. The majority of mental health clients exhibit traits associated with low self-esteem. Often times low self-esteem can manifest in the way people communicate with others. The ability to express feelings and opinions is impossible when one does not believe in the value of their feelings and opinions. The result can be harmful to one’s mental health. There are exercises to retrain our brains and help us become more assertive communicators. One of which, our assertive communication worksheet, we have provided for free use below.
What is assertive communication?
Assertive communication is the ability to express your opinions in an open, honest, and direct way. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves without judging or blaming others.
| Communication Type | Description | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Aggressive | A communication style characterized by forcing opinions or beliefs onto others without regard or respect for opinions or beliefs | Use of degradation, criticism, critical evaluation of others and easily discouraged |
| Passive | A communication style characterized by downplay of one’s own needs in order to keep the peace, resulting from a lack of value for one’s own opinions or beliefs | Lack of eye contact, soft spoken, reserved, fragile and easily taken advantage of |
| Assertive | A communication style characterized by expressing feelings and opinions in a clear, direct and concise manner, all while maintaining respect for the person you are communicating with. | Good listener, clearly states wants and needs, strong eye contact, engaging language, respectful and confident. |
How can you help clients improve their assertive communication skills?
Takeaways for communicating assertively:
- Use “I” statements.
- Be firm and direct. Do not be rude.
- Don’t concede early. Stand up for yourself and your ideas.
How to use these worksheets in Ensora Mental Health
Ensora Mental Health (formerly TheraNest) makes storing forms and worksheets easy. Scan and save the completed worksheet to your computer then upload the file to the client’s documents in Ensora Mental Health for safe keeping. Your clients can also send their therapist completed forms as an attachment via secure messaging in the client portal. The therapist can then download the form and upload to the client’s file in Ensora Mental Health.
