Family advocacy offers supportive class for women Published June 14, 2013 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Family Advocacy Program is offering a special six-week class for women - "Fortify Your Life: A Class for Women." Family Advocacy outreach manager Paula Spooner, noted the lunchtime class is open to all women on base - active duty, retired, reservists, civilians, contractors and dependents. It will be conducted July 18 and 25 and Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at the McBride Library. Spooner explained, "It is a relaxed, low-key opportunity for women to come together and learn more about how past experiences have influenced how they respond to people and situations in their lives today. The focus is on the present and the future and the goal is improved self-awareness and understanding. Each week will focus on specific life areas and participants will explore new ideas and learn skills to apply in their daily lives." She added, "Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Some examples may be: living through a natural disaster, witnessing violence, surviving a life-threatening illness, being the target of a sexual assault, experiencing the sudden death of a loved one or enduring childhood/adult abuse." Some examples of areas in the class include, self-care , grounding and support; short- and long-term effects of trauma; recognizing and expressing feelings; power and control in relationships; guilt, shame and self-esteem; respectful and direct communication; appropriate boundaries; healthy vs. unhealthy relationships; high-risk behaviors and staying safe; and establishing goals for the future. Spooner commented, "If you have ever thought or said, 'I just need to get over it!,' then this class is for you!" For more information about the class, call 228376-3459 or email paula.spooner@us.af.mil - to register. There is limited registration.