Detailed Workshop Descriptions

Note: Links in grey still contain class information, but are not being offered this trimester.

Check here for the latest changes to class dates: Class Updates.

LifeWork Renewal: A Day to Reevaluate, Re-Energize, and Renew Your Life and Career

Description:

A mini-retreat to gain a new perspective on your life and work. ( What is Renewal? )

Purpose:

This is our foundation workshop which is a prerequisite for many of our other multi-session classes. We recommend it to everyone in transition. For some, this map of the change process will be all you need to get unstuck. For others, it forms a strong beginning for additional Centerpoint programs or individual career counseling.

Who should attend:

• Those still in a job but feeling tired, stuck or burned out.
• Those considering making a change but not sure what's next.
• Those facing important life/work decisions.
• Those who are out of work--or will be-- and are feeling overwhelmed.

You will learn:

• To understand and apply a unique model for change and transition.
• What to expect from each phase.
• How to have more patience with yourself as you move through the process.
• Look at change in a more positive way.
• Define effective next steps for working with the process instead of against it.

If you are reevaluating or making a change in your work or life, this workshop will give you the unique tools to get unstuck and move forward. The day will be spent actively working on your specific concerns. The program goes far beyond anything found in popular career guidance books. You will leave knowing the most effective next steps to a renewed sense of purpose, balance, and enthusiasm in your life/work. You will also receive a certificate for a one time reduced rate follow-up individual counseling session.

Schedule

Regular All-Day Sessions on Saturdays, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tuition $145 (Membership not included)

Space limited to 15 participants.

Instructor: Centerpoint Core Faculty

 

Section	Date	Time	Facilitator
D	Saturday, Apr 12	9:30 am - 4:30 pm	Jill Boyd
A	Saturday, May 10	9:30 am - 4:30 pm	Jill Boyd
B	Saturday, June 7	9:30 am - 4:30 pm	Jeaneen Schmidt
C	Saturday, July 12	9:30 am - 4:30 pm	Jill Boyd
D	Saturday, Aug 9	9:30 am - 4:30 pm	Jill Boyd

Condensed 3-hour Session, Weekday evenings, 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm

A three hour condensed version is also available, recommended for those unable to fit the longer version into their schedule. This version includes an Associate Membership worth $79!

Tuition $145 (includes Associate Membership)

Space limited to 15 participants.

Instructor: Centerpoint Core Faculty

 

Section	Date	Time	Facilitator
D	Thursday, Apr 24	6:15 pm - 9:15 pm	Trudy McKnight
A	Tuesday, May 20	6:15 pm - 9:15 pm	Cody Strauss
B	Wednesday, June 18	6:15 pm - 9:15 pm	Jill Boyd
C	Thursday, July 24	6:15 pm - 9:15 pm	Trudy McKnight
D	Tuesday, Aug 19	6:15 pm - 9:15 pm	Trudy McKnight

Register

If you're in your 20's or early 30's, consider Early Career Passion Search which includes LifeWork Renewal Condensed.

Career Assessment Tests

Description:

Review and discuss the results from two career assessment tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Meet with a career counselor one-on-one.

Note: You must complete both tests no less than two weeks prior to your appointment.

Purpose:

To assess your natural interests and preferences.

Who should take the tests:

• If you want more objective information about your skills / personal style.
• If you want to further evaluate your career direction.

You will:

• Receive your personal results form the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory.
• Learn how to utilize the results in your career or passion search.
• Gain key insights into enriching relationships with bosses, co-workers and family members.

Schedule

Take the Myers-Briggs and the Strong Interest Inventory and spend 1.5 hours with a career counselor for personalized interpretation.

Tuition $175 - Tuition includes fees for both tests.

Instructor: Jo Kelly Welch or Susan Mason-Milks

Register

Passion Search: Finding a Clear, Enthusiastic Vision for the Future

Description:

A 22.5-hour, facilitated group experience in self-exploration. This series includes a follow-up group session scheduled several weeks after the formal Passion Search process to ensure that you are building your passions into your life! You will also receive a certificate for a one time reduced rate follow-up individual counseling session.

Purpose:

To uncover what gives our lives meaning and purpose and to create a clear, compelling vision for the future.

Who should attend:

• If you've done all the exercises in the books and you still don't know what you want to do.
• If you're ready to break out of the stuck feeling and start exploring what's going on inside.
• You'd like work to be more meaningful and fulfilling.

If you're in your 20's or early 30's, consider the Early Career Passion Search- Discovering Your Unique Talents

You will:

• Learn what's really important to you in your life and work.
• Reconnect to your sources of energy.
• Discover the things that you can't live without.
• Articulate your passions for life and work.
• Break out of the bounds of reality and really dream big.
• Feel what it's like to eliminate all the obstacles to your ideal future.
• Summarize what you want in your life and career.
• Create a written vision statement you can use in your career exploration and job search.

Schedule

Tuition $575 (Associate Member $485)

Prerequisite: LifeWork Renewal (by the third class meeting)

Space limited to 6 participants.

Instructor: Centerpoint Core Faculty

Note that the time for evening Passion Search classes is 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Daytime Passion Search classes all begin at 10:00 am, and the end time of each class varies.

Register

If you're in your 20's or early 30's, consider Early Career Passion Search which includes LifeWork Renewal Condensed, an Associate Membership and Passion Search - all in one with your own peer group!

Surviving the Holidays...without gaining weight or going crazy!

Description:

Are the holidays a stressful time for you? Do you find it a challenging time of year and sometimes over-do, over-eat, and over-spend? During the holidays we are faced with changes in weather, interrupted schedules, heightened family dynamics, mixed emotions, and greater financial stress. And, of course, don’t forget the over- indulgence of rich and fattening foods, high-sugar desserts and increased alcohol consumption.

Purpose:

This 1½ hour workshop will offer practical tips on how to find balance during the season, which in turn will bring about more joy and peace throughout the holidays.

Who should attend:

• Anyone who feels trepidation about the upcoming holiday season.
• Anyone who looks forward to the holiday season but then finds themselves too tired, too stressed and too busy to really enjoy it.
• Anyone who finds they over-eat and over-drink during the season.
• Anyone who wants to have the best holiday season ever!!

Schedule

Tuition: $38 (Associate Member $30)

Instructor: Gail Hilderbrand

Section	Date	Time
	not offered this trimester

Register

Communicate Effectively Through Transition

Description:

Become more powerful and successful through proactive and clear two-way communication with your boss, colleagues, and employees. Break away from the office for this lunch-time workshop to learn some practical and effective communication techniques that will give you more power in the workplace and that you can use immediately.

Purpose:

Increase your effectiveness in your career by improving the clarity of communication conveyed and received.

Who should attend:

• Those who wish to gain awareness of the impact of all forms of communication in the workplace in order to accomplish their career goals.

Schedule

Tuition: $38 (Associate Member $30) (optional box lunch $12)

Instructor: Annie Kurz

Section	Date	Time
A	Thursday May 22	12:00pm-1:30pm

Register

Early Career Passion Search: Meaningful Career/Life Directions in Your 20's and Early 30's

Description:

This workshop is specifically designed to meet the needs of those in their 20's and early 30's who want to be in the company of peers. Issues around money, success, lack of experience, societal and family pressures, etc. are also addressed. You will also receive a certificate for a one time reduced rate follow-up individual counseling session.

Purpose:

A 30-hour workshop to discover and clarify your natural gifts and passions that will guide and vitalize your work and life. This workshop includes the LifeWork Renewal Workshop (fourth session) and Associate Membership.

Who should attend:

• If you've been working for a few years but realize that it's not what you want (or never really chose it to begin with).
• If you haven't found something that interests you and you want to be more intentional about choosing your next step.
• If you've just completed school and you're ready to look at where you want to go from here.

You will:

• Learn the essential elements you must have in your life.
• Articulate your life and career visions.

Schedule

Tuition: $545 Includes the LifeWork Renewal Workshop (fourth session) and Associate Membership.

Space limited to 7 participants.

Instructor: Shelley Pearson

Section	Start Date	Day & Time	Dates
A	March 27	Tuesdays 6:15-9:15pm	July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16, (skip 23), 30, (skip Oct 7), 14

Register

Exploring Options: Following Your Passions, Finding Where You Will Thrive

Description:

A practical, hands-on 21-hour workshop to help you begin exploring career and job options. You will also receive a certificate for a one time reduced rate follow-up individual counseling session.

Purpose:

Learn the tools to take your vision out into the world and explore how to make your work/life vision come alive.

Who should attend:

• If you've taken Passion Search or The Retreat.
• If you have a clear vision of the work you want to do, but don't as yet know what's out there that fits.

You will:

• Learn the rules that no one ever told you about how to explore careers.
• Brainstorm ideas for unconventional career paths.
• Uncover career options you might never have known about.
• Find specific career fields and industries that match your work vision.
• Get hands-on experience using library and internet resources to research potential positions, companies, and business trends.
• Learn strategies for networking that fit your personal style.
• Develop a concrete exploration plan and ways to maintain momentum.

If you enroll in Exploring Options, you're automatically enrolled in Networking Reframed as part of this class. Networking Reframed will be held on Monday, March 19th this trimester!

Schedule

Tuition: $548 (Associate Members $455)

Prerequisite: Passion Search or The Retreat, or instructor approval.

Space limited to 12 participants.

Instructor: Catherine Follett

Section	Start Date	Day & Time	Dates
A	June 2	Mondays 3-6pm	June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, (skip July 7), 14, 21

Register

Thinking of Becoming Your Own Boss?

Description:

A three-hour workshop on the in's and out's of setting up and running a small business.

Purpose:

Are you an entrepreneur? Evaluate the fit for you and assess the viability of your business ideas.

Who should attend:

• If you are thinking about starting your own business.
• If you are in the process of starting your own business.
• If you are already running your own small business and want to learn how to do it better.

You will:

• Gain insights into your own and other people's motivations for starting a business.
• Learn about your own entrepreneurial strengths and areas for improvement, and how to address your areas of improvement.
• Learn first-hand about the day-to-day life of small business owners: the successes and challenges they face and how to handle them.
• Learn about the importance and benefits of writing a business plan.
• See a business plan come "alive" through a revealing example.
• Receive hands-on advice, support, and resources for starting and running a small business.

Schedule

Tuition: $75 (Associate Members $60)

Prerequisite: none

Space limited to 12 participants.

Instructor: Urs Koenig

Section	Date	Time
	NOT offered this trimester

 

Register

Weekly Job Search Clinics: Finding Your Fit

Description:

A weekly clinic which focuses on the individual job search needs of those who attend.

Purpose:

To provide immediate, hands-on help with job search questions.

Who should attend:

• If you need help to strategize your job search.
• If you need to polish your resume or draft a cover letter.
• If you need to prepare for an interview.
• If you need to negotiate an offer.

You will:

• Receive professional feedback on resume quandaries, interview dilemmas, and other questions that come up during a job search.
• Have access to the resources, support and tools when you need them.

Schedule

Tuition: Free to Centerpoint members at Associate levels; Friend members, Living Lightly members and non-members: $24

CALL to pre-register 206.686.LIFE

Instructor: Centerpoint Staff

 

First and Third Thursdays of each Month are held during the day, from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. Second and Fourth Thursdays of each Month are held in the evening, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm .

Section	Date	Time	Facilitator
N	Apr 10	6:00-7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
O	Apr 17	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
P	Apr 24	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
A	May 1	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
B	May 8	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
C	May 15	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
D	May 22	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
E	June 5	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
F	June 12	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
G	June 19	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
H	June 26	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Vickie Chaffin
I	July 3	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
J	July 10	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
K	July 17	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
L	July 24	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Gail Hilderbrand
M	Aug 7	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
N	Aug 14	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Vickie Chaffin
O	Aug 21	12:00 - 1:30 pm	Jo Kelly Welch
P	Aug 28	6:00 - 7:30 pm	Vickie Chaffin

Register

Networking Reframed: A Sterling Process with a Tarnished Reputation

Description:

A 3-hour workshop to learn the most valuable, but often most misunderstood, of all career exploration and job search techniques.

Purpose:

Learn to bring your own style and personality to the basic steps of networking.

Who should attend:

• If you want to make the most of your time and effort in career exploration, job search, or marketing a business.
• If you're frustrated with your lack of success when answering want ads.
• If you've been sending out resumes but not getting any interviews.
• If you want to explore various career fields.

You will:

• Learn to use your own style and personality to meet and connect with people and build long-term, professional associations.
• Learn specific skills and techniques to conduct fun, energized networking meetings.
• Practice and get feedback on setting up or conducting a networking appointment.

"If I had come away with one-quarter of the information and tools you gave us, it would still have been a great workshop."

Schedule

Tuition: $75 (Associate Members $60)

Prerequisite: none

Space limited to 18 participants.

Instructor: Catherine Follett

Note: If you take Exploring Options, you're automatically enrolled in Networking Reframed as part of the course.

Section	Date	Time
A	Monday June 23	3-6pm

Register

Career Forums: Discussion of Various Career Paths and Issues

Description:

Panel discussion of various career paths and issues. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and share experiences after the formal presentations. All forums are videotaped and added to our library collection.

Purpose:

To hear from experts about their personal experiences, have an opportunity to ask questions, and share information with others.

Schedule:

Topic: "Green" - Careers from Farm to City

Tuition: Free to Centerpoint members , $24 for all non-members

Space limited to 40 participants.

Register

Creating and Financing a Transition Plan: Give Yourself Time to Dream

Description:

A three-part workshop designed to help you create and finance a viable transition plan.

Purpose:

To create and begin to implement a transition plan that gives you the time, energy, and money you need.

Who should attend:

• Anyone who needs to work now, but doesn't as yet have a clear, future direction.
• Anyone considering career changes who finds money to be a primary obstacle and source of anxiety.

You will learn:

• An understanding of transition plans and their advantages.
• Effective systems to track your income and expenses.
• How to brainstorm ways to increase sources of income and decrease expenses.
• Ways to successfully convey your transition to family, friends, and prospective employers while maintaining credibility and dignity.
• To bring all of these pieces together into a practical plan.

Schedule

Tuition:

Prerequisite: none

Instructor: Kari Knudson

Section	Date
A	Call to schedule a time to work individually with one of our career counselors

 

Register

Take Your Job and Love It! Tools for Growth in any Stage of Your Career

Description:

Make time to attend this lunch-time workshop and learn valuable, proven strategies to advance your career and get what you want from your work. Determine the next steps you need to take that have a high positive impact with a relatively low level of effort.

Purpose:

Enhance your promotion-ability by gaining skills that your colleagues and bosses really want.

Who should attend:

• Those who wish to proactively direct their career but need practical tools for success.

You will:

• Learn some of the basic “easy things” to do everyday that influence how you are perceived in the work force.
• Develop an active pursuit of inquisitiveness so you gain more insight into what you are interested in.
• Learn the art of mentorship for the ultimate support of your goals.

Schedule:

Tuition: $38 (Associate Member $30) (optional box lunch $12)

Instructor: Annie Kurz

Section	Date	Time
A	Thursday, June 12	12:00pm-1:30pm

 

Register

Getting Unstuck

Description:

A six-week exploration to focus on untangling the internal resistances which are preventing you from feeling really alive and taking steps towards creating a passion-filled life and career.

You've read the books, made the lists, done the exercises... you know your strengths backward and forward but still nothing grabs you. Every option seems impractical and filled with obstacles. This workshop is not focused on the external blocks to getting what you want. Instead, it helps you become more aware of the internal blocks to clarity, passion, or action.

You will also receive a certificate for a one time reduced rate follow-up individual counseling session.

Who should attend:

• You've explored your strengths and passions, but you're still stuck on "Yes, but...".
• You have some personal growth questions that are getting in the way of your progress and you're ready to look at those obstacles more closely.

You will:

• Face what gets in the way when you start taking steps towards your passion.
• Uncover old messages that are getting in the way of your success.
• Sort through and work on solving conflicting needs.

Schedule

Tuition: $435 (Associate Members $355)

Prerequisite: LifeWork Renewal

Space limited to 7 participants.

Instructor: Vickie Chaffin

Section	Start Date	Day & Time	Dates
	NOT offered this trimester

 

Register

Crossroads at Age 50+: Which direction do you want to go?

Description:

A three-hour workshop designed for women that focuses on discovering the next steps for your life.

Purpose:

To enhance your self-awareness while focusing on the myriad of choices for the future. Will you retire? Will you continue working? Will you choose another path?

Who should attend:

• Individuals fifty years of age or older who are trying to sort out the roads ahead of them
• If you’ve been planning to just ‘hang on’ until you formally retire but are feeling less patient and less hopeful.
• If you never want to retire and are looking for a way to contribute more to the world.

You will:

Share ideas and concerns with others like you. Focus on what you really value. Consider new avenues for passion, creativity and service. Begin to develop next steps for your future.

Schedule

Tuition: $75 (Associate Members $60)

Prerequisite: none

Space limited to 12 participants.

Instructor: Jo Kelly Welch

Section	Date	Time
A	Saturday June 21	10:00am - 1:00pm

*** Individual and group follow-ups available

Register

Get Moving!

Description:

Do you have the desire to be more physically fit but find it hard to get motivated on your own? Join a 15-week, coached group with the goal of walking a half marathon in May 2006. Attend a free infromation session on January 21st to find our more and to sign-up if this is just what you need!

The Goal:

Criteria & Expectations:

If you have walked 3 to 5 miles in the past, at a 15-20 minute/mile pace and are in good physical health; you can do this! You walk on your own during the week, 1-3 miles a day. We walk together on Saturdays in the Seattle or Eastside areas for the longer walks. A schedule and detailed directions are provided for you. You are responsible for your own training. Only you can actually do the walking; others guide and support you. You are responsible for gaining clearance for thsi training from your doctor before the training begins.

Your experience includes an information session, scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2006 at Centerpoint, a kickoff session for those who choose to make the commitment, a mid-training recommitment session in March, the actual event and then - a final celebration! These events will be held at local cafes or at Centerpoint.

Who is Training me?

Your guide is Patricia Banz, 50 years young. She has walked a full marathon and numerous half-marathons in the past two years. She will guide you in equipment, clothing, training techniques and what to expect at a half-marathon. In 2005, Patricia coached a group of 15 women who trained and completed the Vancouver Half Marathon last May. The ages ranged from 24 - 68 years old. Feel the joy they did of accomplishing and of achieveing your new physical goal in 2006!

A few extra costs in addition to tuition:

Costs vary depending on the type of clothing, shoes and gear you already have. Also, there may be hotel costs depending on the location of the event that you choose. You can easily spend between $200 - $600 depending on the venues you pick. For example, costs are on the higher side if you choose to walk in Vancouver, BC.

Schedule:

Free Information Session on 1/21/06; Tuition for 15-week program: $85 (Associate Members $68)

Prerequisite: none

Instructor: Patty Banz

Section	Date	Time
A	Not offered this trimester

Register

How Introverts Can Thrive in an Extroverted World

Description:

In the first session, identify tools that introverts can use to be successful in networking, relationships and groups. At the follow-up session two weeks later, you'll discuss what worked for you and what the biggest challenges were.

Purpose:

To learn strategies you can put into practice to help you communicate more effectively, especially with people you don't know.

Who should attend:

• Anyone who identifies as an introvert
• If you get a little overwhelmed when you need to meet and talk to new people
• If you rehearse what you'll say on that important phone call
• If you are considering taking Networking Reframed and you are naturally introverted

You will:

Identify key strengths that introverts bring to their work and the world; Consider new communication tools to be put into practice immediately; Have the support of a group to discuss what works and what doesn't work

Schedule

Tuition: $96 (Associate Members $80)

Prerequisite: none

Space limited to 12 participants.

Instructor: Jo Kelly Welch

Section	Dates	Time
A	Saturday Aug 9 & 16	10am-12:00pm

*** Individual and group follow-ups available

Register

Self Care in Times of Transition

Description:

A 2 and 1/2 hour workshop designed to teach you how to take better care of yourself during times of transition and change.

Purpose:

When going through any type of transition, self-care is essential to meeting goals and successfully moving through change. This practical and informative workshop focuses on the importance of healthy nutrition, exercise, supportive relationships, self-reflection and fun!

Who should attend:

• Anyone who doesn't know what self-care is and why it's important
• If you tend to forget your own needs during stressful times
• If you are feeling lost and overwhelmed by the transition you're in

Schedule:

Professional Sabbatical: You Can Take One!

Description:

Are you feeling the need to step back from the hectic pace of work and take a little time to renew and regenerate your life? Maybe what you need is a sabbatical. The dictionary defines “sabbatical” as “any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest or to acquire new skills or training.”

Purpose:

This class explores the nuts and bolts of how to plan and finance a sabbatical.

Who should attend:

• If you’ve been dreaming about taking a sabbatical but can’t figure out how to make it happen.
• You need to step back to reassess, renew and regenerate your life and work.

Schedule:

Carpe Diem, Carpe...Passion!

Description:

In this intensive weekend format, seize this opportunity to define and better understand your passions and talents.

Purpose:

While not quite as comprehensive and deep as the 6- or 9-week series described above, this workshop is designed to immerse you in what you love, what you want more of, and what you need to live your passion.

You Will :

• Revisit what’s essential for your work and life.

• Define specific steps for fine-tuning your focus and your current and future choices.

• Reconnect with what you’re passionate about.

• Clearly define and strengthen your natural talents and abilities.

• Summarize and clearly communicate your unique skills and strengths to others.

• Define practical steps to bring more of what you want into your life and work.

Who should attend:

If you’ve been thinking about enrolling in Passion Search™ but haven’t had the time, now there are no more excuses! This 20-hour intensive experience allows you to reconnect with your talents, passions and skills and create an enthusiastic vision for your work and life.

If you’re ready to feel more energized and live each day more fully, register today!

Section A:

Register

Transform Your Inner Critic

Description:

Learn to clearly identify the ways your inner critic works against you, how to transform self-criticism into an asset and let your true self take action. This workshop is great for anyone who has an inner critic... isn't that all of us??

Schedule

Tuition: $119 (Associate Members $99)

Prerequisite: none

Space limited to 12 participants.

Instructor: Catherine Follett

Section	Dates	Time
A	Monday Aug 4 & Aug 11	5:30-8pm

Register