Twelve-week group, Whole-Hearted Living, starts March 4

Karen Barwick, a licensed professional counselor of mental health, will offer a 12-week workshop aimed at helping people feel more empowered in their relationships and their lives, beginning from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 4.

"When you look in the mirror, do you like who you see? For many of us, the reflection includes feelings of 'not enough' in one or more aspects of our lives. Generally speaking, we are our own worst critics," said Barwick.

"These self-defeating thoughts and feelings have a name," she said. "Some call it low self-esteem or self-worth, but underneath those feelings of not being good enough is the experience of shame. Shame-based feelings are all too common. They impact our ability to feel good about ourselves, feel connected in our relationships and feel effective in the world. Research indicates that shame is a significant contributing factor in our struggle with depression, anxiety and addiction."

Whole-Hearted Living: A Shame-Resiliency Workshop will be based on the dynamic work of University of Houston researcher and national expert Dr. Brené Brown. According to Barwick, Brown has spent the past 10-plus years researching the impact of shame and developing a program that helps participants cultivate what Brown calls Whole-Hearted Living. Barwick defines whole-heartedness as a "process of making peace with imperfection, not as a character flaw, but as an integral part of being human.” Participants will learn how to recognize and transform feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, while learning practical skills for increasing authenticity, courage, compassion and connection in all areas of their lives.

The group will meet in the conference room at the Hotel Rodney, 142 Second St., Lewes. The cost for the 12-week program is $40/session. A discount is offered for payment in full in advance. Sessions may be covered by some insurance. Preregistration is required.

Barwick has a private practice in Rehoboth Beach. Specializing in trauma recovery, she is a lifelong student of the human condition. Taking a holistic, integrative approach to wellness, Barwick's point of focus is helping people find ease with the process of being human. "None of us are absolved from life’s struggles. At one time or another, we all face challenges and difficult life circumstances," she says.

For more information on this workshop or individual counseling services, contact Barwick at 302-381-0212.