Choosing Yourself in 2026
A Trauma-Informed, In-Person Workshop in New Jersey
An in-person, trauma-informed workshop for adults who struggle with guilt, boundaries, and people-pleasing—and want to begin choosing themselves with more steadiness and care.
When Choosing Yourself Feels Harder Than It “Should”
If choosing yourself feels uncomfortable—or even wrong—you’re not broken.
Many people assume that choosing themselves should feel empowering or freeing. But for those who grew up needing to stay attuned to others, avoid conflict, or manage emotional dynamics early on, choosing yourself can feel anxiety-provoking instead.
You might notice:
Guilt when you set limits
A fear of disappointing others
Overthinking your needs
A sense that rest, space, or saying no must be “earned”
These reactions don’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
They often reflect how your nervous system learned to stay safe in relationships.
This workshop offers space to slow down and explore why choosing yourself feels hard—without judgment, pressure, or forcing change before you’re ready.
Who This Trauma-Informed Workshop Is For
This workshop may be a good fit if you:
Feel a knot in your stomach when you think about saying no—even when it’s reasonable
Were expected to be responsible, emotionally aware, or “the strong one” growing up
Notice patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or self-abandonment
Feel guilty prioritizing your needs, rest, or boundaries
Want to understand your attachment patterns—not just manage symptoms
Are curious about how trauma and early relationships still shape your reactions today
You do not need to share personal details to participate.
Observation, reflection, and moving at your own pace are always welcome.
What You’ll Learn in This Attachment-Focused Workshop
This workshop integrates attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and relational insight to help you:
Understand how early relationships shape guilt, boundaries, and self-trust
Recognize attachment patterns that keep you stuck in old roles
Learn why choosing yourself can trigger anxiety—even when it’s healthy
Develop greater awareness of your nervous system and emotional responses
Practice relating to yourself with more compassion, permission, and care
This is not about forcing boundaries or becoming someone else.
It’s about understanding your history and learning how to care for yourself within it.
Choosing yourself can feel complicated when guilt, attachment patterns, or old roles are involved.
This in-person, trauma-informed workshop offers a gentle, supportive space to explore how early relationships shape boundaries, why guilt often shows up when you begin choosing yourself, and how to move forward with more steadiness and emotional safety.
Workshop Details
Location: Raíces Creative Space, Somerville, NJ
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Cost: $100
Includes: Light refreshments + all workshop materials
Facilitator: Siobhan Strickhart, LPC
Space is intentionally limited to support a calm, grounded experience.
Choosing Yourself in 2026
Your registration includes thoughtfully curated materials designed to support both in-the-moment learning and continued reflection after the workshop.
You’ll Receive:
A bound copy of the workshop workbook, created specifically for this experience
Psychoeducation on trauma, attachment, guilt, and boundaries
Guided reflection prompts to help you connect concepts to your own experiences
Gentle exercises focused on self-permission, emotional safety, and awareness
Therapist-style reflections to normalize your responses and reduce self-blame
You’ll Also Receive:
A dedicated journal for personal reflection during and after the workshop
Space to process insights at your own pace
Prompts that encourage self-compassion rather than self-criticism
Additional supportive items to enhance grounding, comfort, and integration
Light refreshments provided throughout the workshop
All materials are yours to keep and revisit as you continue practicing choosing yourself in daily life.
What’s Included With Your Registration
A Note on Emotional Safety
This workshop is educational and reflective in nature.
You are never required to share personal details, speak in front of the group, or participate beyond what feels emotionally safe for you. You are welcome to engage quietly, take breaks as needed, and move at your own pace.
About the Facilitator
Siobhan Strickhart, LPC
Trauma- and attachment-focused therapist serving adults in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Siobhan specializes in working with adults navigating attachment trauma, people-pleasing, guilt, and the lasting impact of early relational experiences. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and attachment-based approaches, with an emphasis on emotional safety, self-trust, and sustainable change.