Dawn has been facilitating the 11 Weeks to Self Esteem Course since 2002. The program is based on the workbook written by world-renowned psychiatrist and one of the forefathers of CBT, Dr. David Burns, entitled Ten Days to Self Esteem. Dawn got pretty excited about providing evidence-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (aka CBT) after attending workshops taught by Dr. Burns. It only took one time to lead the very first Self Esteem group in 2002 when Dawn saw dramatic results in the reduction of depression and anxiety scores of the participants when she became committed to providing this life-changing program and tools over and over again. Since then, hundreds of people have been EMPOWERED with Dr. Burn’s powerful tools and methods by taking the course. Utilizing ZOOM, Dawn is now offering this course to people all around the world!
Dawn had the honor of doing a podcast with Dr. Burns on April 26, 2021, and shared with him how she has been running the Self Esteem Group Program and the phenomenal results she has seen happen to group participants. Check out the podcast to listen to Dr. Burns’ comments and feedback about Dawn and her program.
Dawn runs her Self Esteem program in a very structured manner. It’s not at all like what you might imagine traditional group therapy to be where people sit around and just talk about their problems. Participating in the Self Esteem program is like taking a step-by-step self-development course. Everyone is required to have the hard copy workbook, 10 Days to Self Esteem by David Burns, MD, and homework and reading are assigned each week from the workbook. Virtual group participants must sign a Telehealth Consents and Agreement form (link here) prior to being permitted to take the course which basically describes the ground rules and expectations for all participants (like no recording is permitted!). A syllabus is provided as well. Dawn enjoys using other teaching tools like props, YouTube videos, supplemental worksheets, and even podcasts from Dr. Burns’ feeling good podcasts that are relevant and enhance the learning content being covered. In addition to being educational, the group meetings are welcoming, lively, and engaging and occur in a no-judgment, supportive, confidential zone.
Progress is measured in 2 ways- quantitively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, participants take 3 tests each week in the workbook: The Burns Depression Scale, The Burns Anxiety Inventory, and The Relationship Satisfaction Scale. Scores are recorded each week and at the end of the program, participants receive a “Report Card” which shows their scores from week 1 to week 11. It is very exciting for participants to see their scores reflect their progress! Qualitatively, participants are asked to create 3 personal goals for wanting to for the Self Esteem program which we revisit at the end of the program to see what progress they have made on their goals. It is so exciting to see the changes that occur in only 11 weeks. By the time the 11th week occurs, participants FEEL so much better, report improved self-esteem, and are empowered with the CBT tools they learned. Check out the testimonials to hear what past participants have shared about their experience doing the 11 Weeks to Self Esteem Program!
Why Choose Us
Dawn O’Meally, LCSW-C, P.A. is experienced, her program is endorsed by world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. David Burns and utilizes best-practice CBT strategies. Her teaching methods are clear and methodical and are without psychobabble which enables anyone to clearly learn and become proficient with the CBT tools. She gets her energy from the group process and gets excited for group members when they share the positive changes and victories they are observing themselves in their lives as they progress through the course and apply the tools they are learning to completely change outcomes for the better. Her enthusiasm and conviction for the CBT material she teaches are contagious!
Our Client Reviews
JN
I know this has been a really good course for me. It has helped me understand SOME OF MY PROBLEMS A LOT BETTER. It is a whole new way of understanding why I have some of these problems. This has helped me so much. Your guidance has been right on target. Sometimes I feel like a different person seeing life through a new pair of glasses.
SM
I learned to not lose hope or bash myself. My feelings result from negative thoughts. Remember I do have bipolar disorder and will have a lifetime to deal with it. I will have my ups and downs but have tools to help me.
NA
I believe that I have greatly benefited from this excellent course and the assignments. But I am most indebted to you, Dawn, for your faithful guidance of the group and your encouragement was instrumental in crating a safe place to learn from Dr. Burns’ work.
KM
I found this course to be a great starting point for someone who is depressed or anxious. It really brings clarity to issues we feel but don’t always know how to put into words or what to do to challenge our own thinking and change our behavior. I finally feel unstuck and like I have a shot at improving. This class brings HOPE!
FM
I feel better than I have in a long time! I credit this to the book club/course, taking amino acids and leaving a toxic relationship. I knew a lot of the principles and theory of CBT but without the support and the regular meetings, I would not have gotten the practice in.
DM
This is a no-nonsense program. Psycho-babble and reflective talking is left at the door. Great program!
VH
I learned that my thoughts are basically groundless and distorted. This is great course. I’d recommend it.
PK
I can’t change people but I can change me and its OK. It’s Ok to say no. I’m not a failure. I take responsibility for me. I have learned how to be my own best friend. It’s OK to be alone with my best friend. I have learned a lot— I’m free! I have wings. Thank you for believing in me. I thank GOD for you.
CS
I liked sharing with the group members and the honesty. I can untwist my thinking in many ways. Great class.
KS
I loved the group interaction. It made it easier when I could relate to others. You can control how you feel and think.
CW
I learned to identify the distortions in my thinking which has led to more positive thinking.
AR
Awesome book with awesome tools to use in my personal life whenever I need them.
DJ
I am in control of my thoughts and therefore my feelings. When I change my thoughts, I change my feelings. I realized that I am not the only like that. It was a relief.
BH
I learned that I can think my way out of situational depression/anxiety by using the tools provided in this workshop. This is the best thing I ever did for myself and Dawn was terrific.
KC
Will probably take the class again. It should be taught in schools. It could help so many people look at their problems with a different perspective. Loved the class and would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their life.