“ We believe ourselves to be that which has been projected upon us through the words and actions of those around us in childhood.” Virginia Satir
Why are these words so important? In life’s journey we can feel uncertain about where we stand, where we are going and which path is the right one for ourselves. This process can be even more puzzling when we struggle with making decisions for fear of being judged or criticized.
When an individual has been shamed in childhood and then again in significant adult relationships it can affect their “self-picture”. This in turn affects the way one establishes and maintains other relationships. When we have been shamed we spend a great deal of energy trying to hide that negative image from others to the point that we begin to forget who we really are. We can lose the personal compass necessary to guide our steps to determine and reach our life goals.
What the Class Is
This ten week class is designed to create a safe space for participants to explore the underlying foundation of healthy self-esteem; that you are whole, worthwhile, and adequate as part of your birthright and that a sense of competency is learned but also subject to compromise when those around you throughout your life do not support and encourage your strengths. Along with that you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What is healthy self-esteem?
- What is the difference between self-esteem, self-image and ideal self?
- What are all the positive and negative feelings and how can they be used them to guide decision making?
- What does it mean to build inner security?
- What does it mean to move from feeling powerless to a place of inner strength?
- What are my personal rights as a human being?
- What part of life is my responsibility?
- What is the difference between healthy, rigid and loose boundaries?
- How are all of these concepts related to my ability to form and maintain intimate relationships?
Over the course of ten weeks, Margaret will help you find the answers to these and many more questions about self-esteem and relationships. She weaves together lecture, discussion and activities to help increase your understanding of the interaction between self-esteem, personal identity and intimacy. By the end of the class you will acquire practical tools for making improvements in your personal relationships with friends, family, partners, children, and colleagues as well as feel more confident in deciding what is the best life-path for yourself.
What the Class Is Not
- Psychotherapy; you would benefit from bringing the insights gained from this class into your individual sessions with your personal therapist.
- A dating service. In fact, unless you are currently in a relationship you would benefit from refraining from dating until you have finished the class.
Class Fees
The cost of this class is $450.00. The cost of the required book and workbook is included in the fee. Limited partial scholarships are made available because of generous contributions for this purpose by former students. Advanced registration is required for this class and drop-in attendance is not allowed due to limited seating space. If you’re registering less than 7 days prior to the first night of class, please contact Margaret first to make sure there is room still open in the class.
Cancellations received at least ten days prior to the start date of the class are refundable, minus, a $30.00 administrative charge per registrant. There is no refund for cancellations received later than that; however, a credit will be issued toward a future class. A full refund will be issued to any participant who has registered to attend a class that needs to be cancelled.
You may pay by credit card/PayPal or by check (download a brochure with a registration form to send in with your check).
Please make checks payable to Margaret Lambert and mail to Puffins Presentations, LLC at P.O. Box 704, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Class Start Dates
Winter: Monday, January 13, 2022
Spring: Monday, April 18, 2022
Summer: Monday, July 11, 2022
Fall: Monday, October, 10, 2022
Location
This class is held at Sonas Behavioral Health, 6402 Odana Road, Madison, WI 53719. However, until further notice this class is being offered over Zoom.
