Assertive Listening

Assertive listening is an important skill in assertive communication, enhancing mutual respect, reducing misunderstandings, and helping both parties feel heard.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Overview

Assertive listening is a key component of healthy interpersonal communication. It helps clients improve how they listen and respond in conversations, particularly in emotionally charged or challenging scenarios. This information handout introduces the concept of assertive listening, explains its benefits, and outlines how clients can strengthen their listening skills.

Designed for use in therapy sessions, the Assertive Listening resource combines psychoeducation and practical guidance to build awareness and develop core communication competencies. Assertive listening supports clearer dialogue, improved relationships, and mutual understanding.

Why Use This Resource?

Assertive listening contributes to more respectful and effective communication by encouraging attentiveness and understanding. This resource helps:

  • Build understanding and trust during interactions.
  • Develop awareness of how listening can enhance communication.
  • Reinforce mutual respect and empathy in relationships.

Key Benefits

Clear

Explains what assertive listening involves.

Accessible

Easy to understand and apply.

Structured

Offers a framework for learning and practicing listening skills.

Who is this for?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

For anxious clients who struggle to express themselves.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

To encourage confident, respectful social interactions.

Depression

Supports clients whose communication is hindered by guilt, hopelessness, or low self-worth.

Relationship Issues

For clients experiencing interpersonal difficulties that are impacted by communication problems.

Low Self-Esteem

Encourages development of self-respect and clear expression of needs.

Workplace Difficulties

Supports effective communication with colleagues.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Investigate

Explore how well clients listen during interactions.

02

Educate

Use the resource to explain assertive listening and its purpose.

03

Practice

Help clients practice key listening skills such as summarizing.

04

Apply

Encourage use in real-world conversations and reflect on outcomes.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Effective communication is essential for sharing information, coordinating actions, and achieving personal and professional goals (Rohner & Schutz, 2024). It plays a key role in building healthy relationships, allowing individuals to express needs, build trust, and resolve conflicts (McKay et al., 2018). 

Communication styles, particularly in assertiveness literature, are typically categorized as assertive or non-assertive (Bonham-Carter, 2012; Speed et al., 2018). Assertive communication is recognized as effective in many situations and is characterized by clear and honest expression; respect for oneself and others; and taking responsibility for communication outcomes.

Assertive listening is an active process that involves understanding another person’s messages while showing respect and withholding immediate expression of one’s own needs (Alberti & Emmons, 2017; Bishop, 2013). Key components include giving undivided attention to the speaker; using eye contact and nonverbal cues to engage; allowing the speaker to finish without interruption; and referencing key points to show understanding. This can enhance comprehension, reduce the risk of misunderstanding and conflict, and signal respect and understanding during interactions.

What's inside

  • A client-friendly introduction to assertive listening.
  • An overview of assertive communication for therapists.
  • Guidance and suggestions for using the resource with clients.
  • Key references and recommended further reading.
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FAQs

Assertive listening is the active, respectful engagement with what another person is saying, prioritizing understanding before expressing one's own views.
Passive listening involves silence or disengagement. Assertive listening is deliberate, engaged, and includes feedback to demonstrate understanding.
Yes, but effective assertion begins with understanding others. Assertive listening lays the groundwork for being heard in return.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This resource helps clients by:

  • Supporting assertive behavior.
  • Enhancing communication
  • Encouraging respectful interactions.
  • Providing a practical tool that can be used in many situations.

References And Further Reading

  • Alberti, R. E., & Emmons, M. L. (2017). Your perfect right: Assertiveness and equality in your life and relationships (10th ed.). Impact Publishers.
  • Ames, D., Maissen, L. B., & Brockner, J. (2012). The role of listening in interpersonal influence. Journal of Research in Personality, 46, 345-349. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2012.01.010.
  • Birtchnell, J. (1996). How humans relate: A new interpersonal theory. Psychology Press.
  • Birtchnell, J. (2002). Relating in psychotherapy: The application of a new theory. Brunner Routledge. DOI: 10.1002/cpp.615.
  • Bishop, S. (2013). Develop your assertiveness. Kogan Page.
  • Bonham-Carter, D. (2012). Assertiveness: A practical guide. Icon Books.
  • Brown, G. T., & Carmichael, K. (1992). Assertiveness training for clients with a psychiatric illness: A pilot study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 137-140. DOI: 10.1177/030802269205500404.
  • Chłopicki, W. (2017). Communication styles: An overview. Styles of Communication, 9, 9-25. 
  • Duckworth, M. P. (2009). Assertiveness skills and the management of related factors. In W. T. O’Donohue & J. E. Fisher (Eds.), General principles and empirically supported techniques of cognitive behavior therapy (pp. 124–132). John Wiley and Sons.
  • Gordon, T. (1975). P.E.T.: Parent effectiveness training. New American Library.
  • Hagberg, T., Manhem, P., Oscarsson, M., Michel, F., Andersson, G., & Carlbring, P. (2023). Efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for assertiveness: A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions, 32, 100629. DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100629.
  • Hayward, M., Berry, K., McCarthy-Jones, S., Strauss, C., & Thomas, N. (2014). Beyond the omnipotence of voices: Further developing a relational approach to auditory hallucinations. Psychosis, 6, 242-252. DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2013.839735.
  • Linehan, M. M. (1979). Structured cognitive-behavioral treatment of assertion problems. In P. C. Kendall & S. V. Hollon (Eds.), Cognitive-behavioral interventions: Theory, research, and procedures (pp. 205-240). Academic Press.
  • McFall, R. M., & Twentyman, C. T. (1973). Four experiments on the relative contributions of rehearsal, modeling, and coaching to assertion training. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 81, 199–218. DOI: 10.1037/h0034567.
  • McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (2018). Messages: The communication skills workbook (4th ed.). New Harbinger Publications.
  • Mnookin, R. H., Peppet, S. R., & Tulumello, A. S. (1996). The tension between empathy and assertiveness. Negotiation Journal, 12, 217-230. DOI: 10.1007/BF02187629.
  • Rakos, R. F. (1991). Assertive behavior: Theory, research, and training. Routledge. 
  • Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Houghton-Mifflin.
  • Rohner, J., & Schutz, A. (2024). Psychology of communication. Springer.
  • Speed, B. C., Goldstein, B. L., & Goldfried, M. R. (2018). Assertiveness training: A forgotten evidence-based treatment. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 25, e12216. DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12216.
  • Suzuki, E., Saito, M., Tagaya, A., Mihara, R., Maruyama, A., Azuma, T., & Sato, C. (2009). Relationship between assertiveness and burnout among nurse managers. Japan Journal of Nursing Science, 6, 71-81. DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2009.00124.x.
  • Vagos, P., & Pereira, A. (2016). A cognitive perspective for understanding and training assertiveness. European Psychologist, 21, 109–121. DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000250.