Group goals/objectives to be covered: By the end of sessions, the group will demonstrate improved levels of empowerment as measured by the Multicultural Psychological Empowerment Scale for Saudi Women (MPES-SW).
- The group will discuss self-awareness
- The group will learn and explore different dimensions of empowerment (i.e. self-efficacy and self-determination)
Brief agenda:
Education- 10 minutes
Discussion- 20 minutes
Break- 10 minutes
Activity- 20 minutes
Conclusion
Lesson plan:
Education (10 minutes):
Boundaries are “the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships” (EAP, 2023).
Ask group participants to reference their individual “Bill of Rights.” Explain that understanding their rights is the first step toward setting boundaries to protect their rights. When setting boundaries, it is important to use assertive communication (Martens et al., 2008).
When setting boundaries, tension within relationships can be expected to increase. It is often that individuals avoid practicing assertive communication as they fear they may lose relationships. However, it is important to emphasize that you deserve your rights to be respected. It is unhealthy to surround yourself with those who disregard your rights and overstep your boundaries (Martens et al., 2008).
Emphasize that assertive behavior is never aggressive. Being assertive stems from respectfulness; having self-respect, as well as having respect for others.
Tips for assertive communication (Martens et al., 2008):
- Determine your goals prior to addressing the individual. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish and/or change. You may rehearse your request before addressing the individual.
- Assess your safety. Hope for a positive response; however, prepare for backlash. If the individual responds angrily, and if you feel your safety is threatened, leave.
- Try to remain calm, firm, and in control throughout the conversation.
- Do not apologize for being assertive; your requests are valid and setting boundaries is always appropriate.
- Following the conversation, evaluate how things went, what the result was, and how you may improve your assertiveness techniques in the future.
Discussion (20 minutes):
- What are some of your existing values and how do they relate to boundaries? For example, some people may value sleep, so they set boundaries to end work at a certain time? Do you all have boundaries like that?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where you lacked boundaries or failed to set them?
- Do you actively set boundaries in your personal relationships?
- If yes, give examples.
- If not, why not?
- What are some reasons why boundary-setting is difficult?
Break (10 minutes)
Activity (20 minutes): “I Statements” (Clara, 2022).
“I feel _________ when you _________. What would help is _________.”
Facilitators should write the above “I statement” format on the white board for all group members to reference. Each group member should be given a sheet of paper and pencil. Ask group members to replicate the “I statement” format, filling in the blanks with what is relevant to them. Ask for volunteers who are willing to share their statements.
Follow-up Discussion/Education:
- Ask group participants if their “I statement” is something they would realistically say to the intended recipient.
- If no, ask why not.
Explain to group members that following the “I statement” format encourages clear, controlled, and confident language. “I statements” help individuals to communicate their feelings without placing blame on the other person. Note that “I statements” is a simple strategy to set boundaries within relationships (Clara, 2022).
Conclusion: Thank group members for participating in the session. Ask if any group members have any questions or concerns.
Resources/handouts/activities/materials needed:
- White board
- Dry erase markers
- Sheets of paper
- Pencils
Reference list for resources:
Clara. (2022). I-Statements: Examples & Fun Worksheets. Very Special Tales. https://veryspecialtales.com/i-statements-examples-worksheets/
EAP. (2023). How to Set Boundaries and Create Healthy Relationships. https://www.eapcounselling.com.au/newsletter/how-to-set-boundaries-and-create-healthy-relationships/#:~:text=What%20Are%20Boundaries%3F,each%20person%20in%20the%20relationship
Martens, M. M., Viegas, P., & Mimoso, R. (2008). The Power to Change: How to Set Up and Run Support Groups for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.