Are you the parent of a young girl or teen who struggles with low self-esteem?
Being a girl can be really tough!
In this full-day workshop series, we incorporate activities and games to boost self-esteem and confidence, teaching girls how to embrace their unique selves, grow leadership skills, and how to navigate friendships and societal pressures.
The rate of young girls and teens who report feeling dissatisfied with their bodies and experiencing low self-esteem has increased with the rise of social media and exposure to mainstream media images of an ideal kind of beauty.
In fact, over 90% of girls are dissatisfied with their bodies.
- DOSOMETHING.ORG
This group is designed for young girls to build strategies and skills to recognize the various stressors within their lives that impact their perceptions of their self-esteem and overall confidence.
The workshop topics discussed build upon one another to first create awareness and consciousness around the emotions (such as sadness, shame, anger, anxiety, etc.) that affect their self-esteem. The girls can then build their ‘emotional’ vocabulary and coping skills to take actionable steps to challenge their patterns of thinking and behaving. In doing so, they can shift their perceptions and start viewing themselves as capable, and worthy of love and belonging.
During each full-day workshop, participants will be guided through fun and engaging activities and discussions which allow them a safe and non-judgmental space to share their experiences, cultivate healthy connections with others and give them the opportunity to encourage and empower one another.
Group Dates & Topics:
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Join us for the first installment of our GirlTalk PA Day Group Series, where we dive into the theme "Let's Get Real." This session is all about exploring the true meaning of self-esteem, understanding the impact of social media, and envisioning your ideal self.
In this session, we get real about who we are and who we want to become!
What to Expect:We'll discuss what self-esteem is, why it matters, and how it affects every aspect of our lives. We’re also going to explore how social media and popular shows/movies can influence our self-image and learn strategies to navigate these pressures positively. Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
A magazine scavenger hunt
Playing card games
Making our own vision boards
Drawing/colouring
Check out the pictures from our last GirlTalk - Let’s Get Real workshop here.
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For our fun & insightful second group, we will tackle the theme "The Pressure to be Perfect." We’ll delve into the origins of these pressures, their impact on our self-image, and strategies to challenge and overcome them.
This session aims to equip your child with tools to handle societal pressures with confidence & grace, and foster a healthier self-image. Together, we’ll build resilience and self-acceptance in the face of unrealistic standards.
What to Expect:
We’ll explore the sources of the pressure to be perfect, including media representations, peers, and family influences. We’ll chat about body image and examine how our perception of our bodies affects our emotions, thoughts, & behaviours. Then we’ll learn ways to challenge beauty and attractiveness norms in everyday life and regulate our emotions. Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
Watching some video clips from popular films
Creating a "positive self-image" campaign together
A drawing/crafting activity about our best qualities
Check out the pictures from our last GirlTalk - The Pressure to be Perfect workshop here.
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Join us for the third session of our GirlTalk PA Day Group as we focus on learning our own individual strengths to build mastery and confidence. The theme for this group is “You are Capable”. In this session, we will explore how recognizing and developing our talents and capabilities can enhance self-esteem and create a sense of mastery.
This session aims to empower your child to discover and nurture their talents, face new challenges confidently, and build an understanding of the impact of anxiety on our confidence. Together, we'll support each other in creating a positive and confident sense of self.
What to Expect:We’ll learn how to challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones and tackle our anxious thoughts. We’ll also discuss the importance of recognizing emotions such as fear, sadness, shame, or anger, and their corresponding action impulses (avoiding, running away, lashing out, withdrawing). Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
Learning how to engage in mindfulness activities
Creating a personal treasure chest full of our strengths and capabilities
Making an "anxiety shield” (crafting activity) to draw on when we feel anxious/stressed
Check out the pictures from our last GirlTalk - You are Capable workshop here.
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Welcome to the fourth session of our GirlTalk PA Day Group series - “You are Worthy”. On this day, we will unpack the challenge of feeling "good enough" and explore the concepts of worthiness and self-compassion as essential components of building self-esteem.
This session aims to help your child to embrace their worthiness, cultivate self-compassion, and build a more positive and confident self-image. Together, we will support each other in nurturing their self-worth and treating themselves with the kindness and respect they deserve.
What to Expect:
On this day, we’ll discuss how many of us struggle with the belief that we are not good enough. We’ll chat about the sources of these messages and how they impact our lives and sense of self-worth. Through interactive and fun exercises, we’ll explore the importance of believing in our worthiness of love, connection, and accomplishments. Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
Making & decorating “I am Worthy” valentine cards
A painting activity centred around our individual worthiness
Making self-love friendship bracelets
Check out the pictures from our last GirlTalk - You are Worthy workshop here.
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Join us for the fifth session of our GirlTalk Self-Esteem Group Series as we focus on creating and maintaining positive relationships. The theme for today is “You Belong” - We'll explore tools for understanding our emotions in relation to building and nurturing healthy, respectful, and empathetic friendships.
This session aims to provide your child with practical tools to foster positive, empathetic relationships. Together, we'll learn how to communicate effectively, validate others, and build connections based on respect and understanding.
What to Expect:
We’ll practice using the “GIVE” Skill (gentle, interested, validate, easy manner) in various scenarios to enhance our ability to create and maintain positive relationships. We’ll engage in activities that help us to develop empathy by practicing perspective taking and recognizing emotions in others. We’ll also share experiences and discuss how using the G.I.V.E. skill and practicing empathy can improve our relationships and contribute to a supportive and understanding environment. Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
Playing an emotion charades game
Drawing our ideal friend
Crafting our own G.I.V.E. key chains
Check out the pictures from our last GirlTalk - You Belong workshop here.
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Welcome to the final session of our GirlTalk PA Day Group Series! Today, we will put our teachings into action - “Self-Esteem in Action”. We will reflect on what we have learned, and discuss how to apply these lessons in our daily lives. We will also explore the importance of being role models and leaders in our schools and communities.
This session aims to consolidate your child’s learning and empower them to apply these skills in their daily life. By embracing their role as a leader and role model, they can continue to build self-esteem and positively impact those around them!
What to Expect:
We’ll discuss the importance of having role models and learning from their behaviour. Together, we’ll reflect on personal role models: Who are they and why do we look up to them? Consider yourselves as role models: How do you see yourself in this role? Then, we’ll explore how self-esteem impacts your willingness to take on leadership roles. Some of the activities girls can expect to do in this workshop are:
Making our own inspiration cards with our role models
A gardening activity
Creating a group GirlTalk banner & decorating it together
Details:
Each PA Day will run FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM on the scheduled date. Each day of the group is designed to build onto the previous session as a series. That being said, we also welcome participants to join on whichever day they prefer.
LUNCH IS INCLUDED
FORMAT: This workshop will be held in person at our Oakville location with a maximum of 10 participants.
This workshop is facilitated by our GirlTalk Team: Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Breanna Montecalvo and our skilled Master’s Level Intern Therapist.
Services provided by a Registered Social Worker qualify as an income-tax deductible medical expense
Many workplace and extended health care plans offer coverage for therapy services and we recommend that you check with your insurance provider to understand and verify what portion of our services will be covered your plan
Register Now!
PACKAGES AVAILABLE
PA Day Bundle:
The PA Day Bundle package includes registration for one (1) participant on all six (6) PA days for the 2025/2026 school year.
To secure a spot for one (1) participant in this PA Day Bundle, a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is required. To confirm registration, our office will contact you within 24/48 hours of registering to collect the deposit. The rest of the program cost will be collected at a date closer to the program start.
*Cost: $1,080.00 per participant ($180 per day)
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register for this package by SEPTEMBER 30th (no refunds for cancellations) and get $180.00 OFF (or $950.00 per participant for the PA Day Bundle)
“Pick & Choose” PA Days:
The Pick & Choose option allows you to select which PA days you would like to register for.
To secure a spot for one (1) participant, a non-refundable deposit of $50.00/PA Day is required. To confirm registration, our office will contact you within 24/48 hours of registering to collect the deposit. The rest of the program cost will be collected at a date closer to the program start.
Cost: $200.00 per participant, per PA Day
Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about this program. We are happy to help!