Personal Bill of Rights

Adapted by Colleen Russell from "Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention," Johnson, S., Academic Press (1997).

1. I have a right to ask for what I want.
2. I have a right to say no to requests or demands that I cannot meet.
3. I have a right to express all of my feelings – “positive” and “negative”.
4. I have a right to change my mind.
5. I have a right to make mistakes and do not have to be perfect.
6. I have a right to follow my own values and beliefs.
7. I have the right to say “no” to anything if I feel that I am not ready, if it is unsafe, or if it conflicts with my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for the actions, feelings, or behavior of others .
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be myself…. to be unique.
13. I have the right to express fear.
14. I have the right to say, “I don’t know.”
15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings and analytical thought.
17. I have the right to my own personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me.
20. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
21. I have the right to feel safe, and be in a non-abusive environment.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my wants and needs respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
26. I have the right to choose my own sexual partners.
27. I have the right to say ‘no’ to a request for sex.
28. I have the right to stop any sexual activity in which I am involved if and when I have a flashback.
29. I have the right to keep others out of my personal space.
30. I have the right to enjoy a fulfilling life that I deserve.

You might take the time to read this daily until you are aware of your rights and begin to assert them. It may be helpful to post a copy of this where you have the opportunity to see it intermittently for reinforcement.