At Kyra, our core self-esteem program, ESTA, is designed to help women build confidence and a positive self-image. Self-esteem influences nearly every area of life, shaping our relationships, ambitions, and daily well-being.
In this post, we’ll show you how ESTA empowers women, covering its methods, topics, and the powerful impact ESTA has on participants.
What is the ESTA Program?
The ESTA program is a 9-week course designed to support about 10 members per session, with flexible timing each cycle to improve accessibility. Led by staff and experienced volunteers like Gerri, who recently wrapped up a session in early November, ESTA offers a welcoming, safe space for women to explore self-esteem issues together.
This women-only environment allows members to openly discuss their experiences, guided by a blend of professional insight and peer support.
Core Topics Covered in ESTA
The ESTA program is designed around a cognitive-behavioural approach, helping members recognise how thoughts influence feelings and actions. Each week, members dive into key themes, such as:
Self-Esteem: Developing a deeper understanding of self-worth and its impact on daily life.
Thought Patterns: Identifying and shifting automatic, interfering thoughts to create more positive habits.
Goal Setting: Highlighting personal strengths and celebrating member’s achievements.
Communication Skills: Practicing assertiveness, understanding body language, and honing active listening.
Change and Growth: Building confidence, letting go, and focusing on self-improvement.
Members leave each session with handouts, giving them practical tools to apply what they’ve learned in their daily lives.
How ESTA Supports Members
The ESTA program embraces inclusive learning methods, using a variety of visual, written, and interactive approaches—like PowerPoint presentations, group exercises, videos, and even sensory activities like aromatherapy. This range of methods makes the course accessible to members with different learning styles and preferences.
Through thoughtful self-reflection exercises, members explore their own experiences and build self-acceptance on a personalised journey. They might consider prompts such as:
Do you find it difficult to recognise your strengths?
Do you struggle to make decisions?
Does it feel hard to spend time on yourself?
These reflections help members assess their needs and set a course for personal growth.
The Impact of ESTA on Participants
Participants in ESTA often experience a profound sense of support and growth. One member shared, “Absolutely love the fact that it’s a safe space for women only to share! The facilitators had such great listening and empathy skills, allowing and holding space for women on the course to share their own familiar (yet unique) journeys. Thank you!”
The course nurtures a strong community of support, with members encouraging each other in a non-judgmental space. Through tools and discussions, ESTA helps build confidence and self-esteem that extend well beyond the nine-week program.
Additional Support Activities at Kyra
Kyra’s additional wellbeing activities, like crafting and gardening groups, are designed to support self-esteem building beyond the ESTA course.
These programs offer members a chance to learn new skills, express creativity, and connect with others—all essential for fostering self-confidence and resilience.
What can you do now?
If you’re a member interested in joining ESTA or exploring other self-development workshops, reach out to Kyra for more details.
Of if you want to enrol with Kyra, click here.
Every bit of support, from donations to volunteering, helps keep transformative programs like ESTA available to women who need them.
