Sessions

 
1. Getting to Know One Another  
2. Understanding Feelings  
3. Understanding Cancer  
4. Coping with Change  
5. Learning to Relax  
6. Appreciating Ourselves and Our Families  
7. Strengthening Family Communication  
8. Solving Problems  
9. Learning to be Assertive  
10. Learning to Negotiate  
11. Putting it All Together  
12. Saying Goodbye  
 

Session 9: Learning to Be Assertive

This session begins with a review of the five problem-solving steps and an introduction to the concept of assertiveness. Children who are at risk for depression, especially children who are withdrawn, angry, or irritable, find it difficult to say what they want in a clear, direct, and persuasive manner. By means of three cartoons, participants learn to distinguish between being aggressive, being passive, and being assertive.

Next, group members learn, and apply in a role-playing activity, three key things to do when asserting oneself. Children learn to use "I" statements, that is, statements that avoid shifting blame to the other person. The session concludes with a relaxation exercise.

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