Introductory Assertiveness Group

The Ottawa Anxiety & Trauma Clinic offers a group therapy program focusing on assertiveness skills. The 8-week group is facilitated by Dr. Shelley Jordan, Clinical Psychologist. The group is usually offered twice every year, in the Fall and in the Spring.

Assertiveness offers participants a practical way of empowering themselves by standing up for their own rights and respecting the rights of others. Learning assertiveness often leads to improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and healthier relationships.

The following skills are taught in the group:

• Recognizing and understanding different communication styles (passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive)
• Refusing requests (saying no) and making requests
• Giving and receiving compliments
• Giving and receiving criticism
• Expressing emotions
• Responding to anger
• Dealing with difficult people

In the group, participants learn assertiveness skills through structured teaching, group discussion, and experiential exercises. Group members are expected to participate in role play exercises in which they practice assertiveness skills. Note that the most effective way to learn assertiveness is to practice.

Participants would benefit from the assertiveness group if they have difficulty standing up for their rights and communicating in their day-to-day lives. Those who tend to have a primarily passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive communication style and are willing to learn new ways of communicating would be a good fit for this group.

Referrals are accepted from health care professionals or self-referrals. The cost of the 8-week group program is $480 for eight 2-hour groups ($60 per group). Fees for the group may be covered by extended health care or other insurance plans that cover psychological services.

Beyond the Basics Assertiveness Group

Dr. Jordan now runs a Beyond the Basics Assertiveness Group for those who have had an introduction to assertiveness and would like to further develop their communication skills. This group will be a 6-week group (cost of $360 for six 2-hour groups; $60 per group). Participants will be expected to bring in situations from their own lives and participate in role plays to work on their assertiveness skills.

For more information contact:

Dr. Shelley Jordan (specify Assertiveness Group).
Phone: (613) 737-1194
Fax: (613) 737-5884