–

Imagine accepting yourself. Accepting your strengths, talents and
abilities as well as your limitations, flaws and shortcomings.
That is the focus of this group. It is a group based on the growing
data that reveals how the emotions of guilt and shame differ; that guilt
can be productive and motivating; whereas shame can be debilitating.
We live in a culture that promotes shame and the belief that we are
“not good enough”. It doesn’t take much for us to feel “badly” about
ourselves; a disapproving look; a perceived failure; conflict in
relationships; the experience of trauma. And to “get rid” of the
internal distress that accompanies shame, we seek solace in
behaviors that are damaging; using substances, food, gambling, sex,
and seeking perfection. We can then feel alienated, lost and utterly
alone.

This can all be changed. With self-forgiveness and self-acceptance.
This group will start by providing an alternative conceptual framework
for relating differently to yourself and to your life-experience, both
past and present. The initial focus of this group is psychoeducational
and homework heavy. It will then transition into experiencing self
acceptance. Throughout, there will be room for process-oriented
check-ins and discussions.

This group is for anyone who is willing to do the hard work of self-
change.

Facilitated by: Laureen Turner Worden, MS, PhD