Earlier this year I published “In Search of Empowerment” as a way to gain clarity and reframe the context of an experience many of us have felt, the feeling of losing or having no control over our own lives. Additionally, writing this blog was an approach I took in efforts to promote LHA’s first virtual female empowerment therapy group.
You may be wondering why there is an emphasis of women needing to support one another as opposed to men? Traditionally, women were taught to be competitive with one another. If we take the evolutionary psychology standpoint, natural selection can explain our modern behaviors as an approach women take to promote themselves through their appearance, age and character. While men may emphasize their economic and physical strength.
However, studies show that women benefit from support of other women particularly when faced with the struggles Western societies present; unconscious or implicit bias. This can be recognized by how social factors are not often considered when evaluating men for success. Vanderbilt University explains unconscious bias as prejudice or unsupported judgements in favor of or against one thing, person, or group as compared to another, in a way that is usually considered unfair. This appeared universal as evidenced by how openly discussed this experience was amongst our group participants, especially those currently active in the workforce.
The energy of women helping women is at an all-time high. We come from a woman, are women, and need women in our lives. But ultimately, the most important female relationship we have is with ourselves. The more loving, connected, confident and courageous we feel inside, the better we will be able to support, love and champion the women in our lives. We have the ability to give and receive the kind of love and support that we deserve – and it starts with us. A recent study conducted by The National Academy of Sciences https://www.wired.com/story/women-leadership-job-networking/ confirmed that women who have a tight-knit female circle gained answers to questions, such as how to navigate work culture or hostility towards gender and diversity. Our aim of the women’s empowerment group is to incorporate psychoeducation and promote resilience building among those working to make changes in their lives to accomplish their full potential. As each group member identify and work towards fulfillment, the group therapeutic process begins to normalize how supportive relationships is the key to leading the lives we strive to achieve.
Observing the women collaborate to channel their power in our first empowerment group was a privilege to be a part of. Week by week, the benefits (and emotions) intensified: increased productivity and creativity, enhanced relationship- and community-building, greater inclusion, equity and appreciation for diversity. With that said, I am excited to share that we are offering this opportunity once again beginning Sunday, August 15 and Monday, August 16 from 7:30pm-9pm ET.
I hope you or a loved one will consider joining us as we continue our path towards empowerment. This interactive 8-week group is open to women whose age ranges between 25 and 55 years old and reside in California, Maryland and Virginia. We ask that folks interested make a commitment to attend weekly. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me or my co-facilitator Diana Nesko, LCMFT at [email protected] or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!
Lindsay Enright, MS, LCMFT provides couple, family, and individual therapy virtually to those located in Maryland, Virginia, and California. Call or email today to set up your first appointment or a complimentary consultation with Lindsay.