ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION ROLE-PLAYING

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🗣️ 1. The “No” Practice Circle

Goal: Practice saying “no” without guilt
Setup: Partner or small group
Instructions:

  • One person makes a request (e.g., “Can you work late tonight?”).
  • The responder practices saying “no” assertively using a calm tone and body language.
  • Rotate roles and offer feedback on clarity and emotional tone.

🪑 2. Empty Chair Technique

Goal: Express boundaries with someone who isn’t present
Setup: Solo or with a therapist
Instructions:

  • Imagine someone (e.g., a parent, friend, or colleague) sitting in the empty chair.
  • Speak your boundary aloud: “I need you to respect my time when I say I’m unavailable.”
  • Reflect on how it feels to voice your needs.

🧩 3. Scenario Swap

Goal: Explore different boundary-setting styles
Setup: Partner or group
Instructions:

  • Create cards with scenarios like:
    • “Your friend keeps texting late at night.”
    • “A coworker interrupts you constantly.”
  • Role-play both sides: the boundary-setter and the boundary-pusher.
  • Debrief: What felt empowering? What felt challenging?

💬 4. SAFE Method Role-Play

Goal: Use a structured approach to assertiveness
SAFE = Specify, Assert, Fairness, Empathy
Example Scenario: A friend asks for a favor you can’t do
Script Practice:

  • Specify: “I’m not available this weekend.”
  • Assert: “I need that time to rest.”
  • Fairness: “I know you’re in a tough spot, and I wish I could help.”
  • Empathy: “I care about you, and I hope you find support.”

🧠 5. Values-Based Boundaries

Goal: Align boundaries with personal values
Setup: Journaling + role-play
Instructions:

  • Identify a core value (e.g., autonomy, respect).
  • Role-play a situation where that value is challenged.
  • Practice setting a boundary that protects it: “I value honesty, so I need transparency in our communication.”


🎭 6. Boundary Violation Replay

Goal: Reclaim agency in past boundary-crossing moments
Setup: Solo or with a trusted partner
Instructions:

  • Recall a situation where your boundary was ignored.
  • Reenact the moment, but this time respond assertively.
  • Use journaling afterward to reflect: What shifted emotionally when I spoke up?

🧍‍♀️ 7. The Mirror Dialogue

Goal: Practice assertive body language and tone
Setup: Solo
Instructions:

  • Stand in front of a mirror and deliver a boundary-setting statement (e.g., “I’m not comfortable with that.”).
  • Focus on posture, eye contact, and vocal tone.
  • Repeat until your body language matches your words.

🧠 8. Values Conflict Role-Play

Goal: Navigate assertiveness when values clash
Setup: Partner or journaling
Scenario Example: A colleague pressures you to compromise your ethics
Instructions:

  • Role-play both sides of the conversation.
  • Practice stating your values clearly: “I understand your urgency, but I can’t support that decision—it goes against my principles.”

🗂️ 9. Assertive Email Simulation

Goal: Practice written assertiveness
Setup: Solo
Instructions:

  • Write an email declining a request or setting a boundary.
  • Focus on clarity, respect, and firmness.
  • Example: “Thanks for thinking of me. I’m unable to take this on right now, but I hope it goes well.”

🧘‍♀️ 10. Somatic Boundary Check-In

Goal: Tune into physical cues when boundaries are crossed
Setup: Guided visualization or journaling
Instructions:

  • Imagine a scenario where someone pushes a boundary.
  • Notice where tension arises in your body.
  • Practice responding with a statement that honors both your body and voice: “I feel tight in my chest when this happens—I need space.”


📘 Cultivating Assertiveness Workbook

What’s inside:

  • Guided self-assessments on communication style
  • “I” statement practice templates
  • Body language and tone exercises
  • Reflection prompts for boundary-setting and emotional clarity
    Why it’s helpful: It’s trauma-informed and emphasizes respectful self-expression—perfect for solitary recovery contexts.

📗 Learning to Be Assertive Workbook

What’s inside:

  • Passive vs. assertive vs. aggressive behavior breakdowns
  • Role-play scenarios with journaling prompts
  • Assertiveness “Bill of Rights”
    Why it’s helpful: Offers a compassionate lens on emotional suppression and reclaiming voice—ideal for introspective healing.

📕 Assertive Communication Worksheet – Therapist Aid

What’s inside:

  • Psychoeducation on assertiveness
  • Four role-play scenarios with fill-in-the-blank responses
    Why it’s helpful: Simple and structured—great for quick practice and reflection.


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