Hanks & Eisler The Assertiveness Guide for Women

Last updated: July 7, 2022


Because many women have trouble asserting themselves, this book uses mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help overcome anxiety. Based on attachment theory principles, it also covers communication styles and offers practical examples.

Hanks & Eisler The Assertiveness Guide for Women

We looked at the top Assertiveness Workbooks and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Assertiveness Workbook you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This assertiveness workbook based on attachment theory is designed for women.

In our analysis of 16 expert reviews, the Hanks & Eisler The Assertiveness Guide for Women placed 2nd when we looked at the top 6 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Isn’t it time you took a stand? Many women struggle with assertiveness, but if you’re prone to anxiety and avoidance, it is especially difficult. Grounded in attachment theory, this essential guide will help you identify your thoughts and feelings, balance your emotions, communicate your needs, and set healthy boundaries to improve your life. When you’re assertive, you’re able to communicate your needs and wishes clearly while respecting yourself and anyone else involved in the interaction. But when you aren’t assertive, you may stop yourself from saying anything when your needs aren’t being met, or end up lashing out in hostile or hurtful ways. People with different attachment styles struggle with being assertive for different reasons, and even women with a secure attachment style may have difficulty expressing emotion when faced with challenging circumstances. Using strategies based in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), The Assertiveness Guide for Women can help you understand the attachment styles that keep you from asserting yourself. You’ll learn about the three communication stances—from the passive Doormat to the aggressive (or passive-aggressive) Sword to the assertive Lantern—and find practical examples that show you how to apply your new communication and emotional awareness skills in your own life. Rather than being caught in a cycle of rumination and regret when you’re unable to express yourself or even acknowledge your own needs, you’ll be ready to assert yourself and get what you want. Whether you’re anxious and overwhelmed by the intensity of your emotions, avoidant and struggle to identify your emotions, or otherwise have difficulty expressing yourself, this book will help you become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings, and empower you to ask for what you need, set boundaries, and speak your truth for a more fulfilling life.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

This book really brought together many different principles - assertiveness, attachment theory, differentiation, effective communication, emotional intelligence and boundary setting - in an extremely useful and digestible way.
This book is useful to any woman who desires to increase her assertiveness and is a good tool for clinicians to use when addressing issues of connection, gender, attachment, and assertiveness. This wonderful guide is highly recommended for anyone who wants to be more assertive.
The book introduces strategies to help facilitate assertiveness, such as mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It also documents different styles of communication (such as the passive doormat, aggressive, and passive-aggressive). By understanding your communication style, you can apply emotional awareness skills. The aim of the book is to prevent a cycle of regret about being unable to express yourself.

What reviewers didn't like

While there is a tie to assertiveness with these, it’s not the main point, so the title is a bit misleading.
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