StretchLearn Course

Stop Shrinking. Start Speaking Up.

Master assertiveness with real scripts, boundary frameworks, and pushback techniques — starting today.

Beginner9 hrSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

Assertiveness is a learnable skill grounded in cognitive-behavioral research and decades of social psychology. This course moves from understanding the passive-aggressive-assertive spectrum to applying specific verbal and nonverbal techniques in real scenarios. You will practice saying no, delivering honest feedback, handling pushback, and negotiating needs — all without damaging relationships or feeling guilty afterward.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Distinguish assertive communication from passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive styles using the PAA spectrum model

Apply the DESC (Describe-Express-Specify-Consequence) script to real workplace and personal situations

Set and maintain personal boundaries using a three-tier boundary framework with exact language

Deliver and receive criticism constructively using the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model

Use the Broken Record and Fogging techniques to handle persistent pushback without escalating conflict

Build a 30-day assertiveness practice plan with weekly milestones and a self-monitoring log

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Understanding the Communication Spectrum

Learn the four communication styles, how each affects relationships, and where you currently fall on the spectrum using a validated self-assessment.

3 lessons

The Four Communication StylesContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule — Knowing Your BaselineContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Core Beliefs That Block AssertivenessContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: Core Assertiveness Techniques

Master the DESC script, the Broken Record technique, and fogging — the three most evidence-backed assertiveness tools used in clinical and workplace training worldwide.

3 lessons

The DESC Script — Structured Assertive RequestsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Broken Record and Fogging — Handling PushbackContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Nonverbal Assertiveness — Body Language and ToneContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: Boundaries — Setting, Holding, and Communicating Them

Build a personal boundary map using a three-tier framework and learn exact language for stating, enforcing, and repairing boundaries without anger or guilt.

3 lessons

The Three-Tier Boundary FrameworkContent · 45 min

LMS Access

How to Say No — Scripts That WorkContent · 45 min

LMS Access

When Boundaries Are Tested — Enforcement and RepairContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Advanced Applications and Long-Term Practice

Apply assertiveness to feedback conversations, workplace authority, and high-stakes personal situations, and build a 30-day practice system that makes assertive behavior automatic.

3 lessons

Assertive Feedback — Giving and ReceivingContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Assertiveness at Work — Peers, Managers, and ClientsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Building Your 30-Day Assertiveness Practice PlanContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

assertivenesscommunicationboundariesconflictfeedbackself-advocacyinterpersonal skills