Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 26, 1992 TAG: 9202260080
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
WOMEN'S SELF-ESTEEM IS FOCUS OF VA. TECH CONFERENCE
Society traditionally has taught women that they are the weaker sex, that compared to men they are second-class citizens.If they try to break free of this stereotype, they are often labeled less than feminine.
But, say the experts, it doesn't have to be that way.
By having more confidence, women can learn to assert themselves and fulfill their needs without losing their femininity.
"Creating Confidence in Women," a two-day mental health conference Friday and Saturday at Virginia Tech, will help women learn the basics of breaking the mold.
"The focus of the conference is to teach women how to show their confidence, how to explore what's going on within them and then expressing it out loud without the fear of consequences," said Bonnie Brigman, an event coordinator and a marriage and family counselor at St. Albans Psychiatric Hospital.
The Women's Research Institute at Tech is financing the conference with a grant through the Dover Foundation, a private organization based in North Carolina.
It is open to all women and to men, said Carol Burger, the institute's director, who added that speakers will discuss confidence in topics ranging from relationships to creativity.
"Women traditionally have less self-esteem and confidence than males," Brigman said. "It's a cultural phenomenon that has been taught to women since birth."
It's important for women to gain confidence so they can stop thinking, "What will people think of me?"
"Women hold back more, whereas men will usually say, `Oh well! What the hell!' and take a risk," Brigman said. "They need to create some boldness and not be as modest."
One of two featured speakers, Thelma Jean Goodrich of the Family Institute of Westchester in New York, has published many articles on feminism and family therapy. Her latest book is "Women and Power: Perspectives for Family Therapy."
Goodrich, who has private practices in Connecticut and New York, will discuss "Me Tarzan, You Jane: Self-Confidence and the Politics of Intimacy" Friday at 9 a.m.
The other speaker, Teresa Bernardez, an analyst at the Michigan Psychoanalytical Council, has more than 20 publications on the subject of women and psychotherapy.
Bernardez's specific interests are the cultural prohibitions that govern the behavior of women and men. She will discuss "A Room of One's Own: The Connection Between Self-esteem and Creativity" Saturday at 9 a.m.
The conference also will provide a forum to investigate the newest theories and treatment in feminist mental health.
Workshops will be held both days covering such topics as "Fat, Fitness and Feminism," "Women's Empowerment via Group Therapy" and "Gender, Power and Leadership."
"This is for all women, no matter what they do in the community. They will get to hear really strong women speakers who will make them feel empowered," Brigman said. "And it can help men too."
The two day conference will be held at the Donaldson Brown Continuing Education Center and registrations will be taken on either day beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $35 for both days or $15 for full-time students. For more information, call 231-7615.