Generally speaking, there are qualities such as kindness, empathy, and agreeableness that can help us get and stay connected with each other, and there are fiery qualities such as anger, shrewdness, and forcefulness that can help us get and stay connected to ourselves. Roughly speaking, the first set of attributes foster relationship, while the second set enables personal empowerment and assertiveness. Both ways of being in the world are important for psychological health and growth. Generally, women in our culture are permitted to access and develop the former qualities, while we are discouraged from expressing or investing in the latter.
In this workshop, we’ll take a look at women’s psychological development over the course of the life-span, and then take a deep dive into a two fairy tales to explore how women can cultivate their fiery qualities. The workshop will feature lecture, discussion, and film clips.
10:00 am Introduction
10:30 am – 12 noon Fitcher’s Bird
12 noon – 1:00 pm Lunch break
1:00 – 2:30 pm Little Snow White
2:30 – 3:00 pm Wrap up
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Discuss recent research about women’s issues with authority and confidence.
- Identify archetypal themes in fairy tales related to women’s individuation.
- Name eight assertiveness qualities that many women struggle to develop.
- Demonstrate how trauma can affect a woman’s ability to trust herself.
