Our perception of who we are starts to form very early in our lives. This sense of self is shaped not only from the positive ways we’re seen and treated but from the negative attitudes we’re exposed to in our environment through parental, familial, and societal influences. As adults, in order to challenge any distorted self-perceptions and make real changes, we have to recognize the negative overlays that have hurt our self-esteem. We can then take steps to see ourselves with more self-compassion and become the people we truly seek to be.
In this Webinar, Dr. Lisa Firestone will discuss the formation of identity and the ways we can reshape it. Our identity is neither fixed nor one dimensional. In order to discover who we really are, we have to let go of the “shoulds” and “roles” laid out for us by our history. We must also take steps to free ourselves from the self-critical thoughts and self-limiting psychological defenses that have bent us out of shape.
In her presentation, Dr. Firestone will introduce the concept of differentiation, a step-by-step approach to revealing one’s true self. She will explain the role of the “critical inner voice” in holding us back and discuss how practicing self-compassion can change the way we see ourselves, making real change possible. She will explore Daniel Siegel’s concept of “selfing,” as a means to “surf the waves” of self and discover who we are.
As Walt Whitman once wrote, “I contain multitudes.” This is true of each one of us. By looking into all the things that shape our sense of identity – both good and bad, painful and joyful – we can make more conscious, adult choices about how we see ourselves and who we want to be.
Length: 90 Minutes
