How Do You Repair Self Esteem After A Prison Experience?

When our sense of self worth is determined by how others treat us, no experience is more damaging than that of being incarcerated. Prisons are designed to reinforce the notion that you are a worthless human being, worthy of the worst punishment. You are locked in a cage, spoken to harshly, called bad names, given bad tasting food, made to perform personal body functions in public, denied physical love expressions with the opposite sex, periodically physically assaulted by guards and other inmates, sexually assaulted, denied medical attention when wounded, denied regular contact with family and friends, and forced to remain in this state of confinement for a significant amount of time to convince you that you really are worthless. How do you regain self esteem after such an experience that leaves you emotionally broken and incapable of functioning in a healthy relationship? Queen mother Rev. Helen Sinclair discusses her upcoming workshop this Saturday during the international PUSH convention, when she'll be facilitating a panel discussion with those involved in the healing process.