The Better Boundaries Workbook: A CBT-Based Program to Help You Set Limits, Express Your Needs, and Create Healthy Relationships

by Sharon Martin DSW, LCSW

Overview

Do you have trouble saying "no," or constantly sacrifice your own needs to please others? If so, this evidence-based workbook will help you set healthy boundaries in all aspects of your life—without feeling guilty or afraid.

If you find yourself feeling responsible for others’ happiness, worrying about letting people down, or struggling to speak up for yourself, you probably have difficulty setting healthy boundaries. Establishing clear personal boundaries is essential to creating and nurturing mutually respectful relationships based on equality. Setting limits can also protect you from getting involved in exploitative relationships, and help you avoid toxic personalities who don’t have your best interests at heart.

This evidence-based workbook will show you how to set healthy boundaries across all aspects of life—without sacrificing your kindness or compassion for others. You’ll learn to define your boundaries and discover why they’re so important for your emotional well-being. You’ll also find a wealth of tips for maintaining boundaries in a "constantly-connected" world, strategies for what to do when people get upset or threatened by your assertiveness, and ways to make sure your needs are met.

If you’re tired of feeling guilty or afraid of putting your mental and physical health first, are ready to take back control of your life, and create healthy and balanced relationships, this book will show you how to step up and set limits, assert yourself confidently, and realize your full potential.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684037582
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	11/01/2021
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	123,298
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Sharon Martin, DSW, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health writer specializing in codependency, perfectionism, and healthy relationships, with a private practice in San Jose, CA. She is author of The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and The Better Boundaries Workbook.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1 Introduction to Boundaries

1 What Are Boundaries and Why Do We Need Them? 7

2 What Boundaries Are Not 19

3 Why It's Hard to Set Boundaries 31

Part 2 Setting Effective Boundaries

4 How to Set Boundaries 55

5 Communicating Your Boundaries 75

6 Handling Boundary Violations 97

Part 3 Practicing Boundary Skills with Others

7 Boundary Skills at Work 111

8 Boundary Skills with Your Partner 121

9 Boundary Skills with Your Children 133

10 Boundary Skills with Your Extended Family and Friends 147

11 Boundary Skills with Difficult People 163

Part 4 Practicing Boundary Skills with Yourself

12 Respecting Other People's Boundaries 177

13 Boundaries as Self-Management 191

14 Boundaries with Technology 203

Conclusion 217

Acknowledgments 225

Appendix 227

References 229

Interviews

Martin resides in San Jose, CA.

Editorial Reviews

In The Better Boundaries Workbook, Sharon Martin discusses a tremendously useful topic that most people have difficulty understanding, and even therapists struggle to describe: boundaries. She not only explains, in clear terms, exactly what boundaries are, she also walks you through the process of building yours. Ever wondered whether your boundaries need improvement, how healthy boundaries look, or how to create and strengthen them? You’ll find all the answers here.”
—Jonice Webb, PhD, bestselling author of Running on Empty and Running on Empty No More

Jonice Webb

The Better Boundaries Workbook is a clear, caring guide to help people build stronger boundaries. Sharon Martin has done it again with this brilliant workbook, a powerful tool for anyone looking to not be taken advantage of. When you are ready to ‘do the work,’ this workbook gives you thoughtful exercises to look within your own patterns, and teaches you how to create new programming that better serves you. I love this book, and it will forever be in my referral library to help those with boundary challenges.”
—Tracy A. Malone, founder of Narcissist Abuse Support

Tracy A. Malone

The Better Boundaries Workbook is the most comprehensive resource available to help people struggling with setting healthy boundaries, people-pleasing, and assertive communication. Sharon Martin expertly guides the reader to create a clear and personalized action plan.”
—Marni Feuerman, MSW, PsyD, psychotherapist, and author of Ghosted and Breadcrumbed

Marni Feuerman

Boundaries can easily bring up feelings of guilt, fear, or anxiety, but Sharon makes the difficult process of setting limits feel accessible. Learn why boundaries are important, and how to overcome the emotional difficulties of honoring your needs. With the many scripts, vignettes, and other tools in this guide, you’ll discover a step-by-step process for maintaining boundaries in every area of your life. This workbook is a must-read for anyone struggling with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or codependency.”
—April Snow, LMFT, licensed psychotherapist, and author of Mindfulness Workbook for Stress Relief

April Snow

This workbook does an excellent job of explaining the layers of boundaries. The Better Boundaries Workbook is an easy-to-follow how-to guide for self-improvement. What I loved most about the book is the simple explanation of what boundaries are, how boundaries impact our well-being, and simple tools to increase and protect boundaries. Sharon Martin has produced a well-written book that is instrumental in self-empowerment and mental health.”
—Natalie Jones, PsyD, LPCC, owner of Lifetime Counseling and Consulting®, creator of the A Date With Darkness Podcast®, expert witness, and media therapist

Natalie Jones

Once again, with The Better Boundaries Workbook, Sharon Martin shares her insight and her expertise in her down-to-earth style. Martin’s work is clear, practical, and easy to relate to. The chapters for setting boundaries, communicating needs, and working with boundary violations are well laid out, and have actionable steps throughout. I’m excited to use The Better Boundaries Workbook with my therapy and coaching clients for years to come!”
—Elizabeth Cush, LCPC, licensed clinical professional counselor, life coach, and host of the Awaken Your Wise Woman podcast

Elizabeth Cush

Working with The Better Boundaries Workbook is like having personal sessions with a very wise and compassionate therapist. You will learn actionable ways to stand up for yourself and make your needs clear so all your relationships can thrive. The exercises and insights this helpful guide offers will let you tap into your most empowered and authentic self.”
—Jennifer King Lindley, award-winning health journalist, and author of Find Your Joy

Jennifer King Lindley