The Assertive Option: Your Rights and Responsibilities

I liked (and used) this book so much that when a person I lent it to lost it, I just had to buy it again. It changed the life of a patient of mine and can change yours too.

I've read some of the classics on assertiveness. For me, this book was the only one that made a lasting difference. I think that this is one of the top 3 REBT related books.

I could type 1000 'thankyou's. For those of us who grew up in an abusive envirionment subject to brutal aggressive behavior this book is a life saver. The easy to read and real-life style make it especially useful. My original exposure to this book was in a class I took prior to 1984. I still refer to it when ever I need to reinforce confidence in myself and my ability to behave in an assertive manner even when challenged by highly charged emotional situations.

THE ASSERTIVE OPTION may be an "older" title (1978), but it remains one of the best resources in clearly understanding and changing your ability to effectively assert yourself! A must for the library of helping professionals (the reviewer is a psychologist), it is easily readable by lay audiences, yet contains dynamic insights and sugestions for all readers. Jakubowski educates the reader as to the "personal rights" of every individual - the basis for allowing the self to stand up and be counted - as well as step-by-step guidelines to effective assertive behavior and communication.