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Kralja Petra II 45, 78000 Banja Luka+387 65 560 512krnetic@blic.netMon-Fri, 10am-1pm & 3pm-8pm

© 2026 Prof. dr Igor Krnetić

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Oblasti rada

What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness is the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, needs and boundaries clearly and directly, while at the same time respecting the rights and feelings of others. It is the middle…

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01

Your right to say "no"

You have the right to say "no" without explanation. "No" is a complete sentence. Over-justifying can weaken your position and open the door to negotiation where you don't want it.

Three styles of communication

From passive through aggressive to assertive — recognize your pattern

Passive communication

Putting others' needs ahead of your own and avoiding conflict at any cost. It leads to frustration, bitterness and low self-esteem — others don't respect your boundaries because you never set them.

Aggressive communication

Forcing your own needs without regard for others — shouting, interrupting, accusing. It damages relationships, alienates people and often leaves a feeling of guilt after an outburst.

Assertive communication

Expressing your needs clearly while respecting others — direct eye contact, a calm tone, specific statements. It brings healthy self-esteem, the respect of others and less stress.

Why is assertiveness important?

  • 01
    Reducing anxiety and depression

    Assertive communication reduces the inner pressure that builds up when you suppress your own needs, which directly helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • 02
    Increasing self-esteem

    Every time you stand up for yourself in a healthy way, you strengthen your sense of self-worth and self-confidence.

  • 03
    Freedom from bitterness and resentment

    Instead of piling up frustration in silence, assertiveness allows you to express dissatisfaction promptly and constructively.

  • 04
    A greater sense of control over your life

    An assertive person actively shapes their relationships and circumstances rather than passively reacting to the demands of others.

  • 05
    Healthier and more honest relationships

    Clear boundaries and open communication create the foundation for deeper connection and mutual respect in all kinds of relationships.

  • 06
    More effective communication with fewer misunderstandings

    Expressing your needs directly removes the need for "mind reading" and reduces the chance of misinterpretation.

  • 07
    More constructive conflict resolution

    Assertiveness allows conflicts to be resolved through dialogue rather than through escalation or withdrawal.

  • 08
    Better professional relationships and advancement

    At work, assertiveness leads to more effective negotiation, the ability to say "no" to excessive demands and a lower risk of burnout.

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Techniques for developing assertiveness

Practical methods you can apply right away

  • 01
    "I" statements

    Instead of accusations that begin with "You...", describe your feelings and needs: "I feel frustrated when I'm talking and you're looking at your phone. I'd like your attention."

  • 02
    The "broken record" technique

    Calmly repeat your request or refusal without getting drawn into an argument. "I understand, but I can't work overtime today" — repeat it as many times as needed.

  • 03
    The "fogging" technique

    When someone criticizes you, accept the possibility that they may have a point without defending yourself or attacking: "You may be right" or "That's one perspective."

  • 04
    Setting boundaries

    Clearly communicate your boundaries and the consequences: "I can't talk while you're shouting. I'm ready to continue once we've calmed down."

  • 05
    An assertive "no"

    Learn to say "no" without long explanations or apologies: "No, that doesn't work for me" or "Thank you for the offer, but I have to decline." "No" is a complete sentence.

The DESC technique

A structured way to express a problem

D — Describe the situation

Describe the situation objectively, without judgment. Focus on the facts, not on interpretations.

E — Express your feelings

Express how you feel about the situation using "I" statements.

S — Specify the change you want

Specify concretely what you would like to change in the future.

C — State the consequences

Explain the positive consequences the change would bring for both sides.

Asertivnost je vještina koja se može naučiti

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06

A CBT approach to developing assertiveness

How does therapy help?

Working on beliefs

Identifying beliefs that block assertiveness — "I must please everyone", "If I say no, they won't love me". Replacing these beliefs with healthier alternatives and strengthening self-esteem.

Practical training

Learning and practising assertive techniques through role-play and the simulation of real-life situations. Gradual exposure to increasingly demanding situations.

Working on anxiety

Overcoming the fear of conflict and rejection that lies behind non-assertive behaviour. Building tolerance for the discomfort that comes with changing long-established patterns.

Client experiences

My whole life I avoided conflict. Through assertiveness exercises I learned to say no without feeling guilty. It changed all my relationships.
— Client, developing assertiveness
At work I always agreed to everything, so I was overloaded and frustrated. Now I know how to set boundaries without ruining my relationships with colleagues.
— Client, 8 sessions
Assertiveness is not aggression — I learned that through therapy. Now I can express my needs calmly and clearly.
— Client, CBT approach

Ready for change?

Assertiveness is a skill that can be learned. Book a consultation and take the first step.

Telefon+387 65 560 512Emailkrnetic@blic.net
Radno vrijemePon – Pet · 10-13h i 15-20h
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Druge oblasti rada

Specijalizovan pristup za svaki problem

01

Depresija

Simptomi, uzroci i kako terapija pomaže u prevazilaženju depresije.

02

Anksioznost

Vrste anksioznih poremećaja i kako KBT pomaže u njihovom tretmanu.

03

Hronični stres

Upravljanje stresom i prevencija burnout-a kroz psihoterapiju.

04

Kontrola bijesa

Prepoznajte okidače i naučite tehnike za upravljanje bijesom.

05

Bračne krize

Savjetovanje za parove i pojedince u partnerskim problemima.