NEW HARBINGER The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships

I was not expecting to enjoy this book. I thought it was gonna be filled with technical/business jargons on assertiveness. To my surprise.. I really loved this book. It was clear, easy to read, and helpful. The examples are relatable and the exercises are easy and actionable. I could not put this book down. It's around 200+ pages of ALL relevant information with references. It's nice to read a book from a Psychotherapist that is written for everyday audiences. The author has a way of relaying information without sounding like an 'uppity' doctor, which makes the information much easier to digest. I highly recommend this book to those looking to reflect, understand and improve their ability to communicate feelings/emotions.

I am not a fan of self help books but this one is very good. It helps understand dynamics and patterns in our lives and how they affect communication strategies. Really worth it!

Hanks defines communication that is assertive as that which is clear, confident, and self-assured. Also, it involves the courage to express difference. Women need training in this communication because we have generally been socialized to be nice, compliant, and relationship oriented, while boys are generally socialized to be independent and strong and encouraged to speak up. Girls are also historically taught that they should take care of others and be self-sacrificing. Most assuredly, this was my training in the Panhandle of Texas in the 40s and 50s. This book serves as a workbook. At the end of informational sections, she asks questions that invite self-reflection, i.e., What stories are told about you as a young child? How would you describe your relationship with your father? with your mother? She looks at the three styles of attachment and at the three ways of self-expression. A very useful self-help book.

Exactly what I expected, clear information, written in an open style which is easy to access

Well written with easy-to-follow, covers the important fundamentals of understanding your attachment style and how that plays out in your current life. Great starting point to those new to therapy and attachment theory. May be too basic for those with an existing working knowledge.