Emotional intelligence (EQ) groups for young women

In EQ groups young women (yw) acquire emotional literacy skills. They learn to appreciate the importance of knowing themselves and the ability to use their emotions as a source of personal and academic excellence. Success in life depends on emotional skills. What differentiates one young person from another is the possession of valuable emotional skills.

What is emotional Intelligence (EQ) ?

Emotional intelligence encompasses a wide range of skills. Like the ability to work in a team, getting on well with people, being able to say no, listening, the ability to express one’s feelings, and so on.

What are the objectives of these groups?

• To acquire life skills and positive attitudes
• To instill a culture of self development from an early age
• To boost self esteem and personal identity development
• To prevent the development of  personal and professional problems

Some of the themes dealt with in EQ groups

• Trust building
• Owning my beliefs & values
• Limit setting & boundary making
• Body image & self presentation
• Goal setting and decision making
• Who am I?
• What do I want to achieve in life?

Benefits of EQ Groups

• Yw are exposed to a positive peer group
• They receive support from each other
• They learn emotional literacy skills like time management, and assertiveness.
• It boosts their self confidence
• They learn how to problem solve and make decisions
• They learn to speak up for themselves
• They get to know themselves better
• It enhances their relationships with their parents and peers

Who is EQ Groups for?

It is for young women who would like to get to know themselves and others, or improve their relationships with parents and peers, or work on behaviours that influence their academic and career performance like the ability to focus and set goals.

The Philosophy of EQ groups

Yw are respected as independent change agents who have the capacity for personal growth and excellence.

What happens during these groups?

A maximum number of 10 yw are carefully matched to participate as a group. To ensure spontaneous involvement friends and relatives do not participate in the same workshop.

Participants are engaged in activities like discussions, small group work, journaling, and games that facilitate participatory, active involvement.

The groups are conducted in a relaxed informal manner. The aim it to make getting to know oneself both fun and exciting. Following group contracting and trust building exercises to facilitate confidentiality, participants may start to share and identify with each other.

The duration of a group session is 1 and ½ hours. It is held on a weekly basis, usually on a Saturday afternoon. Participants have to commit to a programme consisting of 12 sessions.

Cost: R100 per person per group session, X 12 sessions = R1200

Frequently asked questions

Q Do I have to share my secrets with the group?
A  No, these groups aim to provide you with the tools to better manage your personal concerns and challenges.

Q What benefits would I derive by attending these groups?
A In these groups inner work is done pro-actively i.e., you gain insight and skills to avoid personal crises.
Personal growth is made practical - you get an opportunity to gain and practice life skills.
You will be inspired by the dynamic facilitator and your fellow participants’ enthusiastic support of your attempts to know yourself.

Q Are EQ Groups a form of therapy?
A No. It is also not a place to manage acute crisis and distress. It will however complement your efforts to manage yourself better.

The next programme will take place during the first quarter of 2007. Specific dates will be negotiated with yw who have expressed interest in attending.

Venue details: 7 Summerley Road, Kenilworth. Off the Main Road, next to Jakes’ Restaurant.

To reserve a place or find out more please contact Shahieda Jansen:

082 873 5475
(021) 762 7377
E-mail: info@lmconsulting.co.za

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