Healthy Transitions Workshops

Healthy Transitions is a strength-based curriculum to help girls ages 4^th- 8^th grade develop positive body image. This curriculum was developed by Peggy A. McFarland, BSW,  based upon extensive research and collaboration with other professionals. As a mother of 4 daughters who has worked extensively with youth for the last 30 years, Peggy is passionate about helping girls develop a geniune sense of self-worth.  Girls today need extra support to combat the negative messages of modern media culture!

Research has shown that developing a positive body image during the body’s transition into puberty is a critical factor in helping girls to be resilient against substance abuse, eating disorders, unhealthy dating relationships, and mood disorders. The Healthy Transitions Curriculum is getting rave reviews from parents and professionals. The program has several strength-based objectives to help girls make a healthy transition through puberty:

• build supportive relationships with their parents and peers
• have a global appreciation and respect for their body
• develop a healthy concept of femininity and womanhood and resist an over-sexualized self-concept
• develop a holistic concept of self that recognizes the interrelationship between the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical aspects of their life
• learn to be critical media consumers and identify the unrealistic and negative portrayals of girls and women in the media
• identify and challenge negative self-talk that leads to negative mood and risky behaviors

Healthy Transitions is not a “sexual education” program, but the physical development that occurs during puberty may be discussed.  A focus of Healthy Transitions is to help girls develop positive belief systems regarding the changes occurring in their reproductive system and to develop a sense of responsibility for the choices they make  with their bodies.

Peggy gives presentations to faith-based groups, school groups, and community organizations to raise awareness and offer solutions for the critical challenges facing teen girls today. The Healthy Transitions Curriculum is offered as a series of 2-hour workshops and an introductory parent-child workshop.  The introductory parent workshop gives parents a chance to review the curriculum, learn about the objectives of the program, and learn strategies for supportive relationships with their children.  

In addition to the Healthy Transitions Curriculum and Workshops, community, church, and school workshops are offered as 60 minute, 90 minute, or 2 hour workshops for girls or for mothers, grandmothers, and mentors.

Contact The Light Point Healing Center to discuss scheduling a Healthy Transitions Workshop.