CHAPTER 6: The Power To Change Self-Esteem Programme
Session 1: Defining self-esteem
• If there is any provision for childcare, explain this.
• Explain the complaints procedure.
• Explain the smoking policies of the venue.
3. The Power To Change Self-Esteem Programme
Take about 5-10 minutes to describe briefly what the course entails, making sure to explain the following:
• Who designed the course.
• How the format works, including the length of each session, the length of the entire course, and how often the group will meet.
• What the group will discuss at each session. (See Appendix 10, Details of the course.) You may find it helpful to produce a more detailed course descriptor handout for the women, summarising what the course content will be for each session, as well as when they take place. (See Summary of sessions, above, as a basis for this).
• How to communicate in between the sessions. (See Appendix 10, Details of the course).
• Discuss with members their views on the length and frequency of breaks.
4. Group expectations
At the outset, it is very important to ascertain what members of the group expect from each other, and from the facilitators and the course itself. It is also important that you join in this discussion and explain what you expect.
See Chapter 4, Group policies and protocols, for a more detailed discussion of these issues.
Exercise 1a:
• Starting with yourself, go around the group asking each member to give one expectation they have of the group.
• Write each expectation on a ‘Group Expectations’ flip chart.
• Once completed, ask if the group members are happy with these expectations, and if they would like to contribute some more ideas.
• Once the flip chart is complete, put the sheet up on the wall to use as a reference point. This sheet should be put on the wall at each session as a reminder, and to look back on at the end of the group to see if the expectations have been met.
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CHAPTER 6: The Power To Change Self-Esteem Programme
5. Group rules and contract
At this point, it is essential to agree on the group rules and for members to sign the group contract. (See Chapter 4, Group policies and protocols, for a more detailed discussion of these issues.)
• Refer to the Basic Process Guidelines handout (see Appendix 11) to start a conversation about basic rules, how to respect each ot h e r, and deal with the women’s fears of participating in the group.
• Discuss ways in which everyone can encourage and support one another through the sessions.
• Like the flip chart exercise for establishing group expectations, ha v e an ‘ideas storm’ about what the group would like to have as group rule s. The chart can also be put on the wall for future sessions. If someone forgets about a group rule this can be used as an easy reference to refer to what was agreed at the first session.
• Have handouts of the contract for members to sign (see Appendix 8).
It is good practice to photocopy these once signed; the members can keep the originals and you the copies.
6. Beginning the session
Briefly sum up what will be discussed in this session and ask if everyone understands. As everyone is still very new to the group, the first session should be used to create a warm atmosphere of safety and trust, and to begin forming bonds between the members. Take a few moments here to relax the group a little before going on to discuss self-esteem.
Exercise 1b:
• Each member of the group should give one statement beginning with ‘I feel’. These statements could refer to how they feel about the group, the course, or their life in general.
• Ask if anyone would like to start and work clockwise from there.
If no one volunteers to start, offer to go first.
• As a lot of the women will be nervous, be ready to ask questions that might help them come up with a statement for themselves, e.g. “How did you feel today before the session?”
Session 1: Defining self-esteem
7. Self-esteem
Exercise 1c:
• Ask the group to define what self-esteem means to them.
• Using an ‘ideas storm’ format, write up all answers on the flip chart, even if you do not agree with all the statements. It is important to have a record of how the members defined self-esteem at the beginning of the course, to compare with definitions made at the end.
Examples of ideas from this exercise:
• not judging others;
• being sincere;
• trusting oneself;
• reasoning calmly;
• accepting oneself;
• loving oneself;
• not caring if other people act or seem superior;
• not being materialistic;
• liking oneself;
• being capable of doing things;
• being self assured;
• being able to perceive the wishes, desires and needs of others;
• having faith in the future;
• not being afraid of one’s emotions;
• being intelligent;
• being able to face everyday life;
• being loved by others;
• not feeling in debt with oneself.
It is important to validate everybody’s input even if some of their definitions of self-esteem seem distant from your own. Once all women have contributed, give your own ideas about what self-esteem is, making sure to include references to believing in oneself and having self-respect. Introduce briefly the concepts of self-worth, confidence, and boundaries, and ask the women to think some more about their definitions of self-esteem for next week’s meeting.
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CHAPTER 6: The Power To Change Self-Esteem Programme
8. Question time
Before the session closes, it is good practice to allow a few minutes for specific questions from the group on the content of the session. The memb e rs may not feel confident enough at this stage to raise questions, so state that you will be in the building for a little while after the group finishes for anyone wanting clarification on any issues.
9. Closing the session
End the session by explaining the ‘personal touch’ element of the course, and choose one to ask group members to complete over the next week (see Chapter 5, page 50). Spend a little time discussing this with the group if it is unclear, giving examples if necessary.
As this is the first session, allow approximately 15-20 minutes for closing, as everyone will need a little encouragement to speak up. Remember to do the following:
• Congratulate everyone for completing the first session of the Power To Change Programme.
• Go round the group and ask everyone to give a brief statement of their feelings about the first session.
• Introduce the Weekly evaluation sheet (Appendix 4), explain why it is important to have a system of evaluation in place, and ask all participants to complete a sheet.
Trouble Shooting
• As it is the first meeting, expect emotions to be running high; both group members and facilitators are likely to feel nervous, shy, awkward, and apprehensive. Refer to Chapter 4, Group policies and protocols, on how to overcome these challenging emotions, be prepared and discuss any issues with the co-facilitator.
• Set the standard for future sessions. Although you may feel nervou s or apprehensive, it is important to stick to the guidelines referred to in Chapter 4, Group policies and protocols.
Session 1: Defining self-esteem
• Avoid spending lots of time discussing announcements and explaining the course in lots of detail. The majority of this session should be dedicated to talking about group rules, allaying worries, creating a positive environment, and discussing self-esteem.
• Although you will give your availability after the session for questions, encourage the women to try and build up their confidence to ask questions in the group.
• Stress that the safety of the women is at all times paramount.
If any woman wants to discuss her personal situation, arrange a one-to-one session to go through her safety plan.
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Goals of Session 2:
• Get to know each other a little bit more.
• Encourage active participation in the group.
• Build trust in the group so participants start to feel comfortable about sharing stories.
• Create a group definition of self-esteem.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the concept of self-esteem.
1. Introductions
Take some time to introduce any new members who may have missed last week, and reintroduce everyone, including yourself, as it can take a while to remember names. You could also use another ‘icebreaker’ exercise: see Appendix 9 for a selection of icebreakers.
2. Beginning the session
Spend a little time recapping the last session, making sure that the women feel OK about moving on to the next subject. Then move on and briefly sum up what will be discussed in this session. Go round the group asking how everyone’s week has gone. Discuss the ‘personal touch’ they decided to give themselves over the last week, and ask the women how it made them feel.
3. Defining self-esteem
Exercise 2a:
• Start a discussion by asking the women what they think is a good definition of self-esteem after having thought about it for a week.
• After hearing everyone’s ideas, come up with a definition of