Each STAR retreat is rich with processes for the exploring and working with your self esteem. As STAR evolves, you are able to develop solutions for low self esteem that are from deep within.
Self esteem is the way we think, feel, and value ourselves. Self esteem is not determined genetically. Self esteem develops in response to how we are treated, from our earliest experiences, by those around us.
As children, if we are treated with love and respect, we learn to feel safe, secure, comfortable, and special. We then assume we are worthy. If, on the other hand, we feel that we are being physically neglected, or placed in harm’s way, we learn that our feelings, needs, thoughts, imagination, and dreams are of little value.
How we were treated as infants and children is how we learn to treat ourselves. These early experiences and the immature conclusions about who we were, created the basis for how we perceive our places in society, what to expect in our relationships, how we conduct ourselves in all areas of our lives.
At STAR retreats, there is a multi-faceted approach to supporting your solutions for low self esteem. There is opportunity to explore the experiences that influenced the development of your self esteem. The areas where you were lovingly nurtured are identified and built upon. Additionally, the ways in which the internalized messages were that you were not good enough, and not worth defending or protecting, are identified and transformed. The one-to-two unparalleled staff-to-participant ratio allows for extensive individual attention during this exploration. Positive mirroring and unconditional positive regard help to heal the early deficits in emotional development.
The work at STAR in transforming low self esteem is significant. STAR recognizes that it is only a beginning. Therefore, STAR is diligent about teaching and developing your tools to continue the process of discovering the fullness, beauty, and capability of who you really are.
I was skeptical of the whole concept of STAR until day 2. After that… what a ride! I feel empowered, and adequately prepared to go forward and live my life with strength, confidence, and happiness.
Graduate—April, 2008
Also see:
The STAR Process
What Graduates Say about STAR Retreats
|The Value of a Personal Growth Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions