About the workshops
Participants note that they leave our sessions inspired, motivated, refreshed and focused for their work ahead. They find they are eager to try something new, move forward on goals and feel a deeper connection with their work and purpose. Sessions can be tailored and offered in a variety of formats.
Our sessions address themes including:
ADDRESSING THE INNER CRITIC
Using a body-centered approach including guided imagery, discussion, art, gentle yoga and movement, gain an understanding of the role of your inner critic. By illuminating the roots of our insecurities, we can stop doubting ourselves. This workshop focuses on self-care and empowerment. Participants develop tools for working with the inner critic and increasing self-esteem.
Facilitated by Mia Bolte
"What a wonderful speaker and such an interesting concept!" - An Autumn Afternoon Participant, Rider Bennett Law
"I appreciated learning techniques via conversation, guided visualization and body awareness to address my inner critic, put it into perspective, move beyond it…"-participant
Balance in Your Life
Balance in Your Life
Envisioning Your Ideal Future
Transforming Stress
BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
So many of us are juggling multiple responsibilities with little time to reflect upon or determine how we might align our lives more harmoniously with our values. The workshop provides an avenue for deciding on how to carefully tend the self-determined key areas of our lives and weed areas that pull away from our sense of harmony. Through your choice of either creativity and/or guided imagery, we will reflect, make realizations and form a plan of action toward a life of balance.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett (using guided imagery/self-reflection) or by Teresa Thomas-Carroll (includes using creative materials and/or imagery).
"It really was an eye-opening experience for me, and helped me to visually put my priorities in order. Thanks again for providing such a worthwhile experience. It sounds like everyone in the room enjoyed the conference this year. Your session was unique from what we've had in the past. It was wonderful to see our participants laughing and interacting while discovering what work-life balance means for them." —Education Coordinator, major medical clinic
This session was so relaxing. In the visualization I made a new discovery about something that will help me to feel in balance and the best news is that it will be a simple, easy change!! —Sandra McNeal, bank consultant
"We have received consistently positive comments from our members regarding the workshop. People appreciated the opportunity to think about balance in their lives – the use of non-verbal means (art) was different and freeing for many. Another positive aspect was the opportunity for our members to connect in a low-pressure, nurturing environment." —Tom Cytron-Hysom, St. Paul Community Literacy Council (SPCLC)
ENVISIONING YOUR IDEAL FUTURE
When thinking of your future, do you get caught up with mundane obstacles rather than seeing the big picture? Through relaxing guided imagery and creative journaling, discover and document key elements you need and want for your future. By listening to your innermost yearnings, gently transform your mindset to more naturally attract and create the life you truly want. Dream big!
Note: This session is easily tailored to be about life balance, your ideal business, success in the New Year, treasuring your holidays, *etc.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett or Teresa Thomas-Carroll
"Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed your session. I really like your presentation style." —Victor Massaglia, Center for Business Excellence, University of St. Thomas
From a tailored session: "You did a great job facilitating that 300 person 'Treat Yourself to Treasured Holidays' session. Your personal story calmed and made the listeners pay attention. Holidays are very difficult for some of us. You helped us gather some insight for the future. Thanks again." —Janie Jasin, CSP Speaker/Author www.janiespeaks.com
*Also available as a one-on-one consulting session.
TRANSFORMING STRESS
Feeling overwhelmed? This group is designed to explore the relationship between our stress and emotional well-being. We will explore stress-producing emotions and patterns, which often are ignored or stuffed, in order to gain further insight into how our emotions communicate what we need, thus allowing us to make a conscious choice to practice self-care in a healthier and more fulfilling manner. This is a playful and insightful process of self-understanding and self-expression through the language of art that utilizes the mind-body-spirit connection. Perfect for church groups, retreat centers, life transitions, support groups, networking groups, in-services, recreational therapy.
Facilitated by Tasha Burg
CREATIVITY AND TEA PARTIES
Perfect for bookclubs, creative groups (such as “Artist Way” groups) & birthday celebrations for grown ups. Take an inspiring break for your group to relax, converse and play with a wealth of creative materials. We’ll supply the tea, materials and the clean-up!
Facilitated by Teresa Thomas-Carroll
“I love having so many creative materials at hand. What a fun way for my group to get together, create and talk!”
"Thanks for having Creativity and Tea. It's a great way to encourage creativity." —Lanie Paymar, lifelong learner
NURTURE YOUR CREATIVITY
Creativity ebbs and flows with how much we are able to nurture it. Whether you wish to reclaim, sustain or increase your creativity, this workshop will provide a supportive environment to think through what creativity means to you and how you'd like to tend to it. Explore what you need to nurture your ability to think, act, and work in new and inventive ways. Through collage, make a visual reminder of what sustains your creativity. You’ll have access to a wealth of inspiring words, images and materials. Artistic experience isn’t necessary, only a willingness to reflect and create.
Facilitated by Teresa Thomas-Carroll
"The workshop was refreshing. I thought I would be intimidated by
the ‘need’ to be creative—instead I had a very nice experience. Thank you.”
—Francine Morgan, Director, CLA, Human Resources, University of Minnesota
"I really enjoyed your workshop…I also learned something new I found interesting about myself through creating the collage picture frame. The VISTAs that came up to me afterwards said they really enjoyed the workshop and they had a lot of fun. I strongly think it is safe to say the session was a hit!!" —Stacy Golden, Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Leader, Minnesota Literacy Council
ENVISIONING YOUR IDEAL FUTURE
When thinking of your future, do you get caught up with mundane obstacles rather than seeing the big picture? Through relaxing guided imagery and creative journaling, discover and document key elements you need and want for your future. By listening to your innermost yearnings, gently transform your mindset to more naturally attract and create the life you truly want. Dream big!
Note: This session is easily tailored to be about life balance, your ideal business, success in the New Year, treasuring your holidays, *etc.
*Also available as a one-on-one consulting session.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett or Teresa Thomas-Carroll
"Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed your session. I really like your presentation style." —Victor Massaglia, Center for Business Excellence, University of St. Thomas
From a tailored session:
"You did a great job facilitating that 300 person 'Treat Yourself to Treasured Holidays' session. Your personal story calmed and made the listeners pay attention. Holidays are very difficult for some of us. You helped us gather some insight for the future. Thanks again." —Janie Jasin, CSP Speaker/Author www.janiespeaks.com
YES, YOU CAN CHOOSE BETTER OVER REALLY GOOD
Teresa Thomas-Carroll, founder of Purple Crayon Factory, shares her empowering personal story of "choosing better" based on her chapter from the e-book, Journeys To The Playground™. Guests will learn how she took the leap from a career she loved to pursue her passion through her own business. She inspires participants to consider which areas of their own lives they can choose to improve and become motivated to make their best choices.
Note: This session is a brief (20-30 minute) and very affordable presentation perfect for networking, business-builder and personal development groups.
"It was great to hear you speak. You seem so focused, calm, serene about what you do - it is very inspiring!” – Rachel Provence, Mortgage & Investment Consultants
"I loved the topic. It's right on target for women of today--whether it's choosing to switch careers, start a business, transition from full-time or raising children to part-time work, or leaving the workforce. Whatever the 'better' is, you make a great case for choosing it. I loooved the workbook and putting the idea to work right in the seminar. A great way to start implementing what I've learned into thought and task. Sometimes, when you attend a learning program you get great information and energy but lose it within a day or so because you don't know how to incorporate it into your life (however) the workbook is great to have on hand to reflect and reuse as needed now or in the future. I saved mine and will reuse it as I make decisions about my work, my family, and WIN!" – Jennifer Lavine, Director, Women In Networking (WIN)
Effective LeadershipEFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP * Also available as one-on-one consulting. Facilitated by Becca Pournoor and/or Teresa Thomas-Carroll “Thank you so much for the phenomenal leadership workshop you provided for the Parent Council at Marcy Open. Your objectives were perfectly focused, the activities were engaging and the discussion and sharing were meaningful. We learned a lot about ourselves and our organization and are looking forward to the hard work ahead!” --Jennifer McComas, Chair of the Parent Council, Marcy Open School |
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NETWORKING FACTORY
Interactive and fun facilitated networking that gets people to connect in a meaningful manner beyond trading business cards. Flexible timeframe. We can facilitate or give you what you need so that you can enjoy facilitating your own networking session.
Facilitated by Teresa Thomas-Carroll
"Wow, you are really good at this! Attendees raved that this was the best networking event they’ve attended. We can’t thank you enough for making it so fun and easy for us.— Kathy Magnuson, Co-Publisher, Minnesota Women’s Press
“Your program was uncommon and interactive, with never an awkward moment.— Julie Anson Schaefer, You Manage--Law™
“You are so good at creating an inviting, fun networking environment.— Beth Woodward, Marketing on the Playground
"You did an OUTSTANDING job pulling it all together and really just making it such a great event for everyone involved. I left feeling very inspired by you and everyone else. Lot's of fun. Thanks and GREAT JOB!"— Darcy Olson, co-owner, Let's Dish
SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING JAM
The Small Business Marketing Jam Sessions were created in order to give small business owners a place to network, build business relationships, discover co-branding opportunities, brainstorm marketing strategies and receive support to help you manage your business growth.
Book your very own Marketing Jam for your networking group, business association or as a way for your business to do outreach to small businesses.
Depending on the size or your group, facilitated by Taiha Wagner from Mom on the Go and/or PCF's Teresa Thomas-Carroll.
"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your easy leadership style at the Marketing Jam. You provided simple, clear instructions as you led us in a creative exercise that was easy to do and fun. It also stretched my thinking about how to market my business collaboratively. 'Networking' events can often be uncomfortable, but you quickly got people engaged in a way that benefited each person. Thanks for making the process simple and productive." — Pat Samples, author, educator, speaker
"Honestly, the invitation to participate was one of the best things that happened to me all week. The Jam Session had a great format and was one of the best ways to receive positive feedback in a positive environment. Not only did I make several new networking connections, but I also received a lot of great ideas to help market our company." — David Mesarch, Escape Key Computing
Parent Groups
Kids Are In School, Now What?
The Colors Of My Days
KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL, NOW WHAT?
Discover how to make thoughtful choices about how to use your time, now that your kids are in school. Explore whether you want to go back to paid work now, down the road, or dive into a creative pursuit. Determine how to choose volunteer opportunities that are satisfying and don't burn you out. Clarify your priorities about wellness, personal development and balancing your family's needs. This take-action workshop culminates with creating your personal plan for how to make the most of your time in the next year. This workshop is perfect for organizations, schools and churches to offer to their members who are parents. It also works great for a group of friends who are parents, who can provide continuing support to each other.
Formats: Depending on the needs of the group, this workshop can be offered as an ongoing series, two-part course or as a one hour introductory session. It is also able to be set up as a teleclass or individualized coaching sessions.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett
"Barb was the perfect fit for what we needed. I hope we can do this again. You (Teresa) and Barb have been great to work with and the parents left inspired, affirmed and moved by all that we covered in such a short time.” — Mary Eckberg, Parent Educator, Wayzata Schools ECFE Moms' Group
“After being at home with the kids for year, I felt a bit lost. Barb gave me incredible focus and clarity as I re-launched my career.” —Tracy Runge
THE COLORS OF MY DAYS
Parent/Child Groups (Ages 3 and up) Inspired by Dr. Suess’s delightful children’s book, “My Many Colored Days,” participants express emotion using color. Parent/child pairs express the nuances of life, which are often difficult to put words to, through art. The creative process offers a therapeutic and playful opportunity for parents and children to connect with one another while teaching creative and healthy ways of expressing joy, sadness, anger, loneliness and scared feelings. Perfect for parenting groups and playgroups.
Facilitated by Tasha Burg
“Tasha (the facilitator) is compassionate, genuine and undoubtedly wise. She has an extremely warm presence about her.” —C.H.
Reflecting Back/Visioning Forward
Reflecting Back/Visioning ForwardREFLECTING BACK/VISIONING FORWARD Facilitated by Teresa Thomas-Carroll “This promoted a sense of closure and provided the opportunity for real self-reflection and goal-setting”—Americorps VISTA participant
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Reflecting Back/Visioning Forward
REFLECTING BACK/VISIONING FORWARD
This workshop provides a sense of closure for a group and preparing its members for their next steps. Guided imagery, journaling, discussion and simple collage is used for reflecting back on their experience and envisioning what's next and what steps they’ll take.
Facilitated by Teresa Thomas-Carroll
“This promoted a sense of closure and provided the opportunity for real self-reflection and goal-setting”—Americorps VISTA participant
Stress Management/Reduction
Team-Building
Participants process the theme through an interactive, hands-on, and/or *creative approach to draw out their 'inner expert'. Workshops are offered in a variety of formats ranging from interactive keynotes, facilitated networking, partial or full day workshops, conference break-out sessions to retreats.
*Clients interested in a creative approach: Most workshops can incorporate a creative component in which participants make a project that helps them process their thoughts. It later serves as a visual reminder of their insights and a conversation starter with colleagues. Artistic talent is not required. Projects include journals, boxes, picture frames, collages and more.
These themes successfully meet most of our clients' needs. If your group has a particular interest not listed above, we are often able to make referrals or tailor a session.
Click here to view upcoming workshops and events open to individuals.
STRESS MANAGEMENT/REDUCTION
Overwhelmed? Effectively reduce and manage your stress. Choose from a variety of tools for your session including; breathwork, expressive art, guided imagery, meditation, movement, personal coaching and yoga techniques.
“Thanks for helping me to get grounded and let go of some extra baggage.”
BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
So many of us are juggling multiple responsibilities with little time to reflect upon or determine how we might align our lives more harmoniously with our values. The workshop provides an avenue for deciding on how to carefully tend the self-determined key areas of our lives and weed areas that pull away from our sense of harmony. Through your choice of either creativity or guided imagery, we will reflect, make realizations and form a plan of action toward a life of balance.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett (using guided imagery/self-reflection) or by Teresa Thomas-Carroll (includes using creative materials).
"It really was an eye-opening experience for me, and helped me to visually put my priorities in order. Thanks again for providing such a worthwhile experience. It sounds like everyone in the room enjoyed the conference this year. Your session was unique from what we've had in the past. It was wonderful to see our participants laughing and interacting while discovering what work-life balance means for them." —Education Coordinator, major medical clinic
This session was so relaxing. In the visualization I made a new discovery about something that will help me to feel in balance and the best news is that it will be a simple, easy change!! —Sandra McNeal, banking consultant
"We have received consistently positive comments from our members regarding the workshop. People appreciated the opportunity to think about balance in their lives – the use of non-verbal means (art) was different and freeing for many. Another positive aspect was the opportunity for our members to connect in a low-pressure, nurturing environment." —Tom Cytron-Hysom, St. Paul Community Literacy Council (SPCLC)
EXPRESSIVE ART: TRANSFORMING EMOTIONS OF PHYSICAL PAIN
Your physical health impacts every aspect of your life, including your emotional well-being. In turn, your emotional health affects your physical health and vitality. The Expressive Art process provides a visual snap shot of what your pain is trying to communicate to you. It is an empowering way to translate this inner voice into a healthier way to relate to, live with and/or heal your pain.
In this transformative workshop, you’ll experience relaxing imagery that gently encourages you to hear your own inner voice. Your subsequent drawings will clarify your relationship with pain and what healing means for you. Gain a lasting and deeper awareness of how to use the mind-body connection to expand your healing process.
This session is appropriate for individuals living with stress-related health conditions such as chronic pain, heart conditions, migraines, depression, anxiety, cancer, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. Whether you are new or experienced with Expressive Art, you’ll explore the emotions tied to your physical limitations and what they tell you about what you need in your healing and growth.
Facilitated by Tasha Burg, M.A.
“The benefits are still humming in my mind - conscious and subconscious. I continue to be amazed at the depth and intensity of the experience. I hope you feel great pride in your work; your gentle approach helped us all explore our vulnerability safely."
"This session has been life-changing. I now have a mini art studio in my home and regularly use what I've learned to express and explore my emotions." —Maureen Heinen, Professional Organizer, Send in Maureen
ENVISIONING YOUR IDEAL FUTURE
When thinking of your future, do you get caught up with mundane obstacles rather than seeing the big picture? Through relaxing guided imagery and creative journaling, discover and document key elements you need and want for your future. By listening to your innermost yearnings, gently transform your mindset to more naturally attract and create the life you truly want. Dream big!
Note: This session is easily tailored to be about life balance, your ideal business, success in the New Year, treasuring your holidays, *etc.
*Also available as a one-on-one consulting session.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett or Teresa Thomas-Carroll
"Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed your session. I really like your presentation style." —Victor Massaglia, Center for Business Excellence, University of St. Thomas
From a tailored session: "You did a great job facilitating that 300 person 'Treat Yourself to Treasured Holidays' session. Your personal story calmed and made the listeners pay attention. Holidays are very difficult for some of us. You helped us gather some insight for the future. Thanks again." —Janie Jasin, CSP Speaker/Author www.janiespeaks.com
KEEP YOUR PASSION BURNING WITHOUT BURNING OUT
Identify strategies for having a passionate work ethic while maintaining a healthy life balance. Define your passion, examine boundaries, create a vision for a strong work/life balance and develop an action plan to live the vision.
Facilitated by Barb Plunkett
“Barb (the facilitator) really helped me rediscover a sense of balance in my Life.”—E. M.
