Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice Toward a Positive ...

194 SELF-ESTEEM RESEARCH, THEORY, AND PRACTICElong list of weaker ones. Focusing on the finding that shows that thebetter self-esteem programs are systematic is a nice lead in to the next partof the outline, part B. This section of the material allows me to emphasizethat it is possible to divide a good self-esteem enhancement programinto several distinct parts and to identify them on the handout. I alsoquickly point out the major activities that we will be doing for each stage,which are included on the handout. This procedure helps participants tounderstand the specific steps that they make from week to week and thatthe steps are linked together to produce a cumulative effect.This approach also helps people begin to understand that enhancingself-esteem is seen as a process rather than as an event. In addition, seeingthat no threatening activities are involved in the program and assuringthem that they do not have to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable,seems to help calm those who have performance or social anxiety,a phenomenon that is to be expected in a group that consists ofpeople who have difficulties with self-esteem. I always end this step bypointing out that we are already in the focusing phase because we areworking on our awareness of self-esteem right now.The next part of the introduction focuses on Group Guidelines andExpectations (Week 1—Handout 3). This material lays the foundationfor how we treat one another in the group. I always try to read the guidelinesand expectations aloud to stress the seriousness of the enterprise onwhich we are about to embark. This practice also ensures that everyoneis familiar with the basic rules that govern the group and even reinforcesthem to some degree. The voluntary nature of the program and a statementconcerning confidentially are mentioned in the introductory paragraph.Remember, the therapist, not necessarily the client, is obligated tomaintain confidentiality. Therefore, it is important to make group membersaware that although you are obligated to maintain their confidentiality,other group members are not. Similarly, respecting limits anddifferences is absolutely essential to our work, because recognizing therights and dignity of each human being is already self-esteem enhancing.The same applies to the issue of gender, age, and cultural differences.The comments concerning attendance are important because theprogram is designed in a stepwise fashion and it is difficult, though notimpossible, to recover from missing even 1 week. In fact, if people anticipatemissing even 2 weeks I suggest that they have to wait until anothertime to take the program. I encourage people to participate actively inthese groups as learning and growing usually occur as a function of howmuch effort one puts into the process. However, it is important to remindparticipants that they are not required to do anything that feels uncomfortableto them and that they should let the facilitator know when theyfeel that way so alternatives can be offered.