--- title: "Asserting a New Platform | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "There are three styles that people generally use to handle interpersonal communication; passive, aggressive, and assertive. The former two are self-explanatory and we need not waste time explaining wh..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "alternateName": "Denver Psychiatry - Dr. Steve Sarche", "description": "Denver Psychiatry is a private psychiatric practice founded by Dr. Steve Sarche in 2004, providing comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/logo.png" }, "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "faxNumber": "+1-303-399-6069", "email": "drsteve@denverpsychiatry.com", "foundingDate": "2004", "founder": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "areaServed": { "@type": "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "geoRadius": "50000" }, "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry", "Adult Psychiatry" ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" } ], "availableService": [ { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Psychiatric Evaluation", "description": "Comprehensive initial evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Medication Management", "description": "Expert prescription and monitoring of psychiatric medications" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry", "description": "Age-appropriate psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 10+)" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Anxiety Treatment", "description": "Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Depression Treatment", "description": "Comprehensive treatment for major depression and mood disorders" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "ADHD Treatment", "description": "Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders in all ages" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "PTSD & Trauma Treatment", "description": "Compassionate, evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress and trauma-related conditions" } ], "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "50" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@type": [ "Physician", "Person" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "alternateName": "Steve Sarche", "description": "Dr. Steve Sarche is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He founded Denver Psychiatry in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in comprehensive mental health care.", "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sarche-2019-headshot-1.jpg", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "jobTitle": "Psychiatrist", "honorificSuffix": "D.O.", "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "affiliation": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Western University of Health Sciences" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado Health Sciences Center" } ], "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Board Certification", "name": "Board Certified in General Psychiatry" }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Fellowship", "name": "Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" } ], "memberOf": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society", "roleName": "Past President" } ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#website", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens during the initial psychiatric evaluation at Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The initial evaluation is a comprehensive session where Dr. Sarche reviews your medical history, discusses current concerns, and works to understand your unique situation. For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Asserting a New Platform", "description": "There are three styles that people generally use to handle interpersonal communication; passive, aggressive, and assertive. The former two are self-explanatory and we need not waste time explaining wh...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2012-10-29T15:11:07+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/asserting-a-new-platform" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Depression # Asserting a New Platform Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Monday, October 29, 2012 • 4 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform&text=Asserting%20a%20New%20%20Platform)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform&title=Asserting%20a%20New%20%20Platform)[]() There are three styles that people generally use to handle interpersonal communication; passive, aggressive, and assertive.  The former two are self-explanatory and we need not waste time explaining why they are not as effective as the latter. I want our President to be assertive.  What I mean by this is that he will exude strength, but appear relaxed.  He will treat others with respect and dignity and expect the same in return.  He would never assume another’s motives, but directly ask.  During conversation, he will listen and ask questions in order to understand the other person.  He will be able to accept criticism and ask for help when needed.  He will handle anger in a productive manner.  He will understand that mistakes can be made at times and will know what to do about them.  He will not allow people to take advantage of him.  Things will get done because he will be proactive, make compromises when appropriate, and get needs met. Assertiveness is roughly defined as "The ability to express feelings and verbalize boundaries and rights, at the same time recognizing the feelings and rights of others."  Assertive communication involves direct, clear and honest (but tactful) language.  Assertive communication diminishes interpersonal conflict and reduces stress.  Assertiveness is protective.  People who are assertive learn to say “no” in diplomatic and appropriate ways, express why they need boundaries. There are times to temper assertiveness.  An example is when a person or situation is so aggressive that assertiveness would only escalate things.  In situations like these, it is better to take the “high road” and diffuse the situation, perhaps by saying something like, “You may be right.  Let me think about that.”  This is not passive behavior as it may appear.  I would call it wise, protective or “sometimes I have to swallow my pride” decision making. A few years ago, I worked with a successful business woman who was stressed and angered by a certain manager. This person would stress all week about the meetings with said manager.  She worked on verbalizing her concerns to her supervisor and subsequently the structure of the meetings changed. She immediately felt better. A factor that had interfered with her ability to take action was that she did not want to seem angry or seem to be "a problem".  In other words, she was being passive because she didn’t want to appear aggressive. The line between being assertive or aggressive can be a blurry one. The distinction can be conceptualized as follows; aggression generally involves unprovoked and powerful anger. An aggressive person crosses another's personal boundaries and does not demonstrate any attempt at collaboration or reciprocal communication. Alternatively, assertive people address situations by communicating how the situation affects them or makes them feel. The classic example is the lunch meeting where the other person is late.  The lunch can be totally ruined by starting with, "You are late, and you screwed up my whole day! Thanks a lot!" Or it may be salvaged with, "You are 20 minutes late and now we only have 20 minutes for lunch.  I am frustrated because I sat around doing nothing and now we have to eat fast."  This example highlights the basic formula for assertive communication.  Start with the other person’s actions or the situation (whatever the facts are).   Next describe the way you feel. Last, describe how those things affect you. It is an art to be assertive.  It takes practice to be skilled at when to be assertive and how.  It is certainly well worth the time to master.  When we are passive, we limit ourselves and we are taken advantage of. When we are aggressive, we alienate ourselves, we create conflict and chaos. Being assertive will not solve all situations, but it is protective and works as an anti-depressant and to contain anxiety.  It can restore or preserve integrity and dignity. Mr. President (whoever you will be), please add the following to your platform: “I pledge to be assertive; to be open, communicative and honest.  To assert true feelings and actions, even in the face of fear and pessimism. To be confident and to pursue what is best for the people of this country.  I will productively face conflict and embrace collaborative problem solving.   I solemnly believe that this platform will promote the common goal of security, health and happiness.” I am Joe Everybody and I approve of this message. _Reference:   “Setting boundaries Appropriately: Assertiveness Training” , Dombek, Wells-Moran, MentalHelp.net, July 3, 2006._ Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform&text=Asserting%20a%20New%20%20Platform)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fasserting-a-new-platform&title=Asserting%20a%20New%20%20Platform)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Depression ### Back to Nature “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” John Muir, who has been called “The Father of our National Parks” As we prepare for the conclusion of another summer, it is important to r... Aug 15, 2019 4 min read ](/article/back-to-nature)[ Depression ### Suicide Prevention The week of September 5th through 11th is Suicide Prevention week. Suicide is a growing problem in the United States, making this week with a focus on awareness and prevention more and more important.... Sep 8, 2016 5 min read ](/article/suicide-prevention)[ Depression ### Goodbye To A True Genius In 1994, I was tired, frustrated, at times discouraged, but determined to get into medical school. I was in the midst of my second attempt. I was working in two emergency rooms and volunteering at ano... Aug 14, 2014 7 min read ](/article/goodbye-to-a-true-genius) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808)[Patient Portal](https://www.valant.io/portal/sarche) #### Quick Links - [Home](#home) - [Services](#services) - [About Dr. Sarche](#about) - [Our Approach](#approach) - [Resources](#resources) - [Blog](#blog) - [Contact Us](#contact) #### Contact - The Galleria 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N Denver, CO 80246 - [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808) - Fax: (303) 399-6069 © 2026 Denver Psychiatry. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[HIPAA Notice](/hipaa-notice)[Accessibility](/accessibility) [Made with by HEARD Digital Marketing](https://heardmarketing.io)