EMPOWERED: A TEENS RISING EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM™ 

EMPOWERED 

EMPOWERED is an inclusive and transformative semester-long  psychoeducational program providing an environment for teens to cultivate self-esteem, compassion, and authenticity, equipping them with tools to help them thrive.

Empowered serves high school girls and teens who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Through EMPOWERED, your teen will feel more accepted, valued, connected, content, and confident, as well as less anxious and stressed in their lives and about what their peers think of them.

The concepts explored in EMPOWERED encompass the whole person and topics related to Physical, Emotional, Mental, Relational/Relationship, Inner Wisdom/Spiritual (non-religious), and Community well-being.  

I welcome and honor teens of all backgrounds and identities, fostering a confidential space free from judgment where they can freely express themselves. 

I approach my work from an anti-oppressive, equitable, social justice, anti-racism, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, feminist, anti-diet, body, and fat liberation perspective. Discrimination is not tolerated, and I am committed to ongoing personal and professional growth.

Please continue to scroll for the EMPOWERED program graphics and a general overview of the program. In addition to what’s listed, I invite each group to share what topics they want me to cover. No topics are off-limits. 

100% of teens who have experienced the EMPOWERED group program recommend it to others.
Here’s what a few participants have said about EMPOWERED:

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  • “I’ve come to understand that I’m not worthless. I’m learning to love my body and see my value.” 

  • “Dawn has inspired me to recover from my eating disorder and go back to therapy!”

  • “I feel way better about my body and my sexuality.”

  • “I am more confident in my everyday life and have made many new friends.”

  • “I made my closest friends because of this group.”

  • “I have been able to make new friends and I feel more educated because of the topics that we discuss during class.”

  • “[I liked] EVERYTHING. The supportive group, the love we share, and the honesty we could share.”

  • “[I liked] the support that we got and the opportunity to talk without being judged.” 

  • “[I liked] the fact that it was a safe place where I could mostly open up about my struggles and not be scared of being judged.”

  • “[I liked] having topics about sexuality or topics that would be hard for other people to talk about.”

EMPOWERED Information and Investment

Who: 9th-12 Graders
Where: Fort Collins, CO (in person)
When: Fall 2024- Email: infoatdawnkgibsondotcom to add your name to the waitlist
Limited to: 8 Participants per group
Timeframe: Semester-long and 1.5 hours/session
Investment: $40/group session + $75 one-time non-refundable supply/registration fee.
Payment plans: Paid in full, paid in two payments, paid monthly, or request an alternative plan.
A sliding scale fee or scholarship spot may be available. Please check with me.
No refunds available once group starts.

EMPOWERED: A TEENS RISING EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM™

PHYSICAL well-being

During this phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to body boundaries, consent, body image, sex, harmful diet culture, self-care, movement, etc… as we learn how to engage these in healthy ways during this phase of the program.

EMOTIONAL well-being

During this phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to self-confidence, self-compassion, trauma, emotional/nervous system regulation, coping mechanisms, sexuality, gender identity, self-care, etc…as we learn to build these skills.

MENTAL well-being

During this phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to stress management, anxiety, core values, self-talk, self-care, mindfulness, etc… as we create plans of action moving forward. 

INNER WISDOM/SPIRITUAL well-being

During this NON-RELIGIOUS phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to personal strengths, connecting to our authentic selves, trusting intuition/gut reactions, self-care etc… and how to practice what we learn moving forward.

For those who ARE religious or spiritual, they can explore and implement these practices in their lives. For those who are NOT religious, they can do what feels best for them. All beliefs or lack thereof are welcomed.

RELATIONAL well-being

During this phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to different aspects of friendships, parent/child, and dating relationships, healthy communication and boundaries, social media, peer pressure, creating healthy relationships, self-care, etc… and how to build what we want in relationships moving forward.

    COMMUNITY well-being

    During this phase of the program, we explore concepts including but not limited to the importance of community connection, giving and receiving, choosing and planning a contribution to the community, etc… as we give back to our community in some way.

    LGBTQIA2s+

    I work with teens of various genders, from various backgrounds and communities. I also have personal and professional experience in supporting teens who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My intention is for your teen and all of the teens with whom I work is to feel seen, heard, connected, uplifted, and to embrace all parts of themselves as they begin to feel more comfortable in the skin they’re in, no matter what society may be telling them at this time.

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    Many teens are suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and other issues, more than ever.
    Unfortunately, youth who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community are even MORE at risk for depression, suicidal ideation,  and suicide attempts than their cisgender heterosexual peers. This is why I do what I do. This is why I created Teens Rising Empowerment Programs™—to help our teens begin to thrive, no matter who they are. 

    The tools and practices that I teach teenagers today are the same ones I use in my own life. I wish I’d had them when I was younger because my teen years would’ve been much different!

    Our kids deserve to live a life of contentment, to be who they are, and to embrace all parts of themselves without shame. Please join EMPOWERED if this program resonates with you.
    Email Dawn at: info at dawnkgibson dot com to get on the waitlist or to learn more.