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Donna Jacobs

In this course, you will learn that you have the power to move yourself from angst, unhappiness, and negativity to freedom, happiness, and positivity.

The Self-Integration Model (SIM) is a new and unique model that is user-friendly. It will help you, when you are distressed, to lower and understand your reactivity.

Through examples and practical exercises, this course will offer many opportunities to better understand yourself and others, and why you react in certain ways.

Following the format of the 6-step healing will improve your own mental health and your relationships.

Read more

In this course, you will learn that you have the power to move yourself from angst, unhappiness, and negativity to freedom, happiness, and positivity.

The Self-Integration Model (SIM) is a new and unique model that is user-friendly. It will help you, when you are distressed, to lower and understand your reactivity.

Through examples and practical exercises, this course will offer many opportunities to better understand yourself and others, and why you react in certain ways.

Following the format of the 6-step healing will improve your own mental health and your relationships.

By the end of this course you will have valuable skills and knowledge to have a better understanding of:

  1. Yourself and others

  2. Why you react and behave in certain ways

  3. How to de-activate yourself when dysregulated 

You will have a set of tools that you can use when you are in negative emotion.

You will also have access to Donna regarding your homework exercises or if you need clarification about the material. Please note: The purpose of the homework assignments is for you to do them privately to enhance your understanding of the course. You do not need to complete the assignments on Udemy in order to progress through the course.

People who have taken Donna's previous courses and workshops on "Becoming Your Best Self" have rated her workshops as informative, exciting, well prepared and life changing.

  • 96% of attendees rated that the course was extremely informative to very informative.

  • 100% of attendees rated that Donna was extremely to very well prepared

  • 96% of attendees rated that Donna's presenting style held their interest extremely to very much

  • 98% of attendees rated the overall course as excellent to very good

Comments from participants:

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am sad it is over."

  • "I wish it was longer."

  • "Thanks. I loved it. "

  • "Wonderful workshop."

  • "Great insight to my previously undefined emotional reactions."

  • "Workshop tools enable personal growth and understanding."

  • "We can still love our parents, even though they unintentionally may have screwed us up."

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the parts of self-integration model (sim) and how they are inter-related
  • Familiarize yourself with the parts within you that can render you happy and empowered or anxious and depressed
  • Make new inroads to "becoming your best self" through curiosity and insight
  • Become a healthier, better balanced self
  • Understand that you have the power to change because you already possess the necessary parts
  • Learn to be less reactive to unwanted triggers
  • Delve into family of origin (i.e; who raised you) to see how they and their parts have impacted you
  • Work on experiencing more satisfying relationships with yourself and others
  • Learn the 6-step healing part of the model to be able to understand from where your feelings come & how to de-activate yourself when you feel overwhelmed
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Syllabus

Understand the basics of SIM. Know that you have the power to choose how you react to situations because you already possess all of the necessary parts
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a user-friendly model for understanding and managing emotional reactivity, potentially leading to greater self-awareness and healthier relationships
Explores the impact of family of origin on current emotional patterns, which can be a valuable step in understanding and addressing personal challenges
Provides practical exercises and tools for de-escalating reactions and managing emotions, offering concrete strategies for personal development
Requires learners to delve into their past and identify personal wounds and triggers, which may be emotionally challenging for some individuals
Focuses on a specific model (Self-Integration Model), which may not align with all therapeutic approaches or resonate with every learner's preferences

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Reviews summary

Becoming your best self

According to learners, this course provides a highly effective framework, the Self-Integration Model (SIM), and offers practical tools and a clear 6-step process for significant personal growth. Students report gaining a much better understanding of themselves, their reactions, and the influence of their past, leading to increased self-awareness and improved relationships. Many find the course material actionable and applicable to daily life, enabling them to manage negative emotions and react less impulsively. The accompanying exercises are frequently highlighted as valuable for reinforcing learning and facilitating personal insight, though some note they require dedicated personal effort. While the course is widely seen as life-changing and an excellent foundation, a few reviews suggest that certain topics, like family of origin impact, could be explored in greater depth for those seeking more advanced understanding.
Exercises aid learning and personal work.
"The homework exercises were crucial for applying the concepts. They required honest work, but the payoff in self-discovery was huge."
"I initially skipped some exercises, but when I went back and did them, the course material clicked into place much better."
"Taking the time to complete the exercises really solidified my understanding and made the abstract concepts feel real and personal."
Reported significant positive change.
"This course has honestly been life-changing for me. I feel more in control of my emotions and reactions."
"I've seen noticeable improvements in my relationships and overall mental well-being since applying what I learned here."
"Participating in this course has set me on a path of profound personal transformation I didn't think was possible."
Offers actionable strategies for change.
"The 6-step healing process is simple yet incredibly powerful. I can actually use it when I feel overwhelmed."
"I appreciate that this course didn't just teach theory but gave me concrete tools and steps I can apply immediately to manage my emotions."
"The practical steps outlined made it feel possible to move from just understanding my issues to actually doing something about them."
Deepens understanding of self and reactions.
"This course significantly increased my self-awareness. I now understand *why* I react the way I do in certain situations."
"Delving into my family of origin through the course material gave me profound insights into my current patterns and triggers."
"I have a much clearer understanding of my internal filters and how they shape my perception of the world, which is invaluable."
Provides a unique, insightful framework.
"The Self-Integration Model is truly unique and provides such a clear way to understand my inner world and how I react."
"Learning about the different 'states' within myself using the SIM model was a total game changer for gaining insight into my behavior."
"I found the SIM model presented in the course to be incredibly insightful and easy to grasp, helping me map out my internal dynamics effectively."
Some desire more exploration on topics.
"While the course provides an excellent overview and practical tools, I felt the section on family of origin could have gone deeper."
"It's a fantastic introduction, but for someone looking for really advanced psychological insights, it might feel a bit basic in certain areas."
"I wish there were more modules expanding on applying the SIM model to specific challenging relationship dynamics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Becoming Your Best Self - Transform Your Life In 6 steps with these activities:
Review 'Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind - and Keep - Love'
Gain a deeper understanding of attachment styles and their impact on relationships, which is crucial for self-awareness and improving interpersonal connections.
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Attached' and take notes on the different attachment styles.
  • Reflect on your own attachment style and how it might influence your relationships.
  • Identify strategies for building healthier relationships based on attachment theory.
Review basic psychology concepts
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental psychological concepts that underpin the Self-Integration Model.
Browse courses on Cognitive Biases
Show steps
  • Review introductory psychology materials online or in textbooks.
  • Focus on concepts related to emotions, behavior, and relationships.
  • Take notes on key terms and definitions.
Practice identifying parent/filter states
Reinforce your ability to recognize different parent/filter states in yourself and others through scenario-based exercises.
Show steps
  • Create a list of common scenarios or situations.
  • For each scenario, identify which parent/filter state is most likely to be activated.
  • Practice recognizing the verbal and nonverbal cues associated with each state.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journal about your triggers
Deepen your self-awareness by reflecting on your personal triggers and how you typically react to them.
Show steps
  • Identify situations that trigger strong emotional reactions in you.
  • Describe the external event and your internal monologue in detail.
  • Analyze which parent/filter states are activated during these situations.
Discuss course concepts with peers
Enhance your understanding of the Self-Integration Model by discussing it with other students and sharing insights.
Show steps
  • Organize a virtual or in-person study group with other students.
  • Discuss the key concepts of the Self-Integration Model.
  • Share personal experiences and insights related to the course material.
Develop a personal action plan
Create a personalized plan for applying the Self-Integration Model to improve your mental health and relationships.
Show steps
  • Identify specific goals for personal growth and relationship improvement.
  • Outline actionable steps for achieving these goals using the Self-Integration Model.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Review 'Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy: A Systematic Individual and Social Psychiatry'
Expand your understanding of personality and communication patterns by exploring the principles of Transactional Analysis.
Show steps
  • Read 'Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy' and take notes on key concepts.
  • Compare and contrast Transactional Analysis with the Self-Integration Model.
  • Reflect on how Transactional Analysis can inform your understanding of relationships.

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming Your Best Self - Transform Your Life In 6 steps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Life Coach
A life coach empowers clients to achieve their personal and professional goals. This course, with its emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation, directly aligns with the core principles of life coaching. The Self-Integration Model (SIM) taught in this course provides a framework for understanding client behavior and developing targeted strategies for growth. The course's focus on identifying triggers and de-escalating reactions is particularly valuable for a life coach looking to guide clients through challenging situations. By helping clients unpack their past and understand their present reactions, you, as a life coach, can facilitate lasting positive change. The six-step healing model may allow a life coach to better provide support.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance counselors support students' academic, personal, and social development. This course's focus on self-awareness and emotional regulation makes it highly relevant to this role. A guidance counselor can use the principles of the Self-Integration Model (SIM) to help students understand their behaviors and reactions, particularly in stressful situations. By understanding healthy and unhealthy parent states, you may be able to better help students work through relationship issues. The course's emphasis on identifying triggers and de-escalating reactions is helpful when working with students facing academic or personal challenges. By focusing on the six-step healing method, a guidance counselor may be able to help students better manage anxiety and stress.
Human Resources Generalist
A human resources generalist manages various aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to employee relations. Understanding human behavior and fostering a positive work environment are crucial in this role. This course's focus on self-understanding and emotional regulation can significantly benefit a human resources generalist. The Self-Integration Model (SIM) provides a framework for understanding employee interactions and addressing conflict constructively. By understanding the reasons employees behave in certain ways, an experienced human resources generalist can manage conflict more effectively. The human resources generalist may also find the discussion family origins helpful in understanding individual differences.
Conflict Mediator
Conflict mediators facilitate communication and negotiation between disputing parties to reach mutually agreeable resolutions. Understanding the underlying causes of conflict and employing effective communication techniques are essential for a conflict mediator. This course's emphasis on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and understanding interpersonal dynamics directly supports the skills required in this role. The Self-Integration Model (SIM) may help a conflict mediator identify the root causes of conflict, while the course's focus on de-escalating reactions can help manage tense situations. By learning about different communication styles, you, as a conflict mediator, can guide parties toward a more productive dialogue.
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and advocacy to individuals and families facing various challenges. This course's emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation is highly relevant to social work practice. A social worker can use the principles of the Self-Integration Model (SIM) to better understand client behavior and develop effective intervention strategies. The course's focus on identifying triggers and de-escalating reactions is helpful when working with clients facing trauma or mental health issues. Social workers may discover that the course assists them in establishing more empathic relationships with the people they serve. This course may give a social worker more tools to use while serving the public.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists work with couples and families to address relationship issues and improve communication. This course's emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation may benefit those in this field. A marriage and family therapist can use the Self-Integration Model to help partners and family members better understand their own reactions and the reactions of others. The tools the course provides could be beneficial when working to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
School Psychologist
School psychologists work to support students’ mental health and academic success. This course's emphasis on self-awareness and emotional regulation directly supports their work. A school psychologist can use the Self-Integration Model (SIM) framework taught to understand student behavior, manage difficult situations, and promote healthy emotional development. The course may provide insight into addressing challenges in a school environment. By creating a healthier environment, a school psychologist may find greater success.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists provide therapy and counseling to individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Usually, this role requires an advanced degree. This course may be useful for psychotherapists by enhancing their emotional intelligence and self-awareness. The Self-Integration Model (SIM) may provide an additional framework for understanding client behavior and inform therapeutic interventions. The tools for self-regulation may also improve a psychotherapist's work with patients.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors help individuals overcome addiction and develop coping mechanisms for maintaining sobriety. This course's focus on understanding triggers and managing reactivity may be useful in the field. Individuals in recovery often grapple with intense emotions and challenging life circumstances, so a substance abuse counselor armed with the Self-Integration Model may be more effective in their role. The course's emphasis on building self-awareness could allow a substance abuse counselor to better relate with clients.
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning differences and disabilities. This course, with its emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation, may be useful to special education teachers. It is crucial that special education teachers know how to de-escalate negative feelings and emotions. By understanding how their family of origin has impacted them, a special education teacher may be able to view their students from a more objective point of view.
Nurse
Nurses provide direct patient care and support. This course, with its emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation, may be useful to nurses. Understanding how to de-escalate negative feelings and emotions is important for nurses. By viewing themselves from a more objective point of view, a nurse may be able to better connect with their patients. The course may allow a nurse to better deliver care to their patients.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. This course, with its emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation, may be useful to physicians. Understanding how to de-escalate negative feelings and emotions is important for patient care. By viewing themselves from a more objective point of view, a physician may be able to better connect with their patients. The course may allow a physician to better deliver care to their patients.
Police Officer
Police officers protect communities by enforcing laws and preventing crime. The ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations and effectively communicate with diverse populations is paramount. This course, with its focus on understanding triggers and de-escalating reactions, may enhance these essential skills. Gaining insight into their own emotional responses could enable a police officer to approach tense encounters with greater composure and empathy, potentially leading to more positive outcomes.
Firefighter
Firefighters respond to emergencies, including fires and medical situations. This course, with its emphasis on self-understanding and emotional regulation, may be useful to firefighters. Understanding how to de-escalate negative feelings and emotions is important for emergency response. By viewing themselves from a more objective point of view, a firefighter may be able to better connect with victims. The course may allow a firefighter to better serve their communities.
Paramedic
Paramedics provide emergency medical care to sick or injured individuals. Often, paramedics must work under pressure and in difficult environments. By focusing on their own emotional regulation and understanding of their triggers, paramedics may be able to make better decisions under stress. By understanding the Self-Integration Model (SIM), a paramedic may be more able to communicate with distressed family members and patients.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Becoming Your Best Self - Transform Your Life In 6 steps.
This foundational text widely used in academic settings and by professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of CBT principles and techniques, making it essential for gaining a broad understanding. The third edition incorporates recent advancements and includes practical tools like worksheets and case examples.
This workbook popular resource for both individuals and therapists, offering practical CBT techniques and worksheets to address a range of emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety. It's highly valuable for solidifying understanding through application.
Is the authoritative guide to creating and interpreting genograms, a powerful tool for mapping family relationships and patterns across generations. It is essential for a deeper understanding of intergenerational family dynamics and is widely used in clinical practice.
This workbook provides a structured approach to managing anxiety and worry using CBT techniques. Co-authored by Aaron T. Beck, it offers evidence-based strategies and is useful for both individuals and clinicians.
Focuses on case conceptualization, a core skill in CBT. It's valuable for deepening understanding by learning how to apply CBT principles to individual client presentations. This is particularly useful for students and professionals.
A foundational text by the father of CBT, Aaron T. Beck, this book delves into the cognitive theory and treatment of depression. While a classic, it provides essential historical context and in-depth understanding for those looking to deepen their knowledge.
A foundational text in Bowen Family Systems Theory, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding family functioning and differentiation of self. It key resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of systemic family dynamics and is often used in graduate-level studies.
Addresses common challenges in CBT, providing strategies for working with difficult cases and resistance. It's a valuable resource for professionals and advanced students looking to deepen their clinical skills.
Aimed at practitioners, this book focuses on applying CBT to specific anxiety disorders. It delves into research and treatment strategies, making it valuable for professionals and advanced students specializing in anxiety.
Offers a contemporary perspective on stress, challenging the common notion that all stress is harmful. It delves into research showing how our mindset about stress can influence its effects and provides strategies for leveraging stress for growth and resilience. This book is valuable for deepening understanding and exploring contemporary topics in stress research.
Specifically addresses the phenomenon of burnout, particularly in women, and offers a science-backed approach to completing the stress cycle and preventing burnout. It provides a contemporary perspective on a prevalent stress-related issue and offers practical strategies for recovery and resilience.
Provides accessible strategies for applying CBT to common emotional challenges. Its simple language makes it suitable for beginners seeking a broad understanding and practical tools for self-help.
This workbook offers a structured 7-week program for applying CBT techniques to manage depression and anxiety. It's a practical resource for individuals and can supplement therapeutic work, making it useful for gaining a broad understanding and initial application.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of CBT, covering its history, theory, and applications across various disorders. It's a good reference for both students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and explore different facets of CBT.
Provides a broad overview of the major theoretical frameworks used to understand family dynamics. It is an excellent resource for gaining foundational knowledge in the field and is often used as a textbook in academic settings. It is particularly helpful for those new to the topic, providing necessary background knowledge.
This widely used workbook offers a comprehensive collection of clinically proven techniques for stress reduction, including progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring. It is an excellent resource for learning and practicing a variety of stress management skills.
While not solely focused on stress, this book is crucial for understanding the role of emotions in our lives and how developing emotional intelligence can significantly impact stress management. It provides a strong foundation for recognizing and managing one's own emotions and understanding those of others, which is key to navigating stressful situations and relationships. Goleman's work is highly influential and widely referenced.
Details the application of CBT specifically for eating disorders (CBT-E), a leading evidence-based treatment. It is highly relevant for professionals specializing in this area and demonstrates the adaptation of CBT for specific populations.
Specifically addresses intrusive thoughts using CBT principles. It's a valuable resource for individuals and clinicians working with OCD and related issues.
Offers practical CBT skills specifically for social anxiety. It's a good resource for individuals and clinicians focusing on this particular issue.
Combines insights from neuroscience and mindfulness to explain how to build resilience to stress. It offers practical exercises for rewiring the brain to better handle stressful situations and provides a contemporary perspective on stress management rooted in brain science.
Presents Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), an integration of mindfulness and CBT for preventing depressive relapse. It represents a contemporary application of CBT principles.
A more accessible introduction to mindfulness than 'Full Catastrophe Living,' this book offers gentle guidance and practical exercises for incorporating mindfulness into daily life. It is an excellent resource for those new to mindfulness and looking for a simple yet profound way to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
Debunks myths about the 'traditional' family and provides a historical perspective on the diversity and evolution of family structures in America. It is crucial for understanding contemporary family dynamics by providing essential historical context.
Schema Therapy is an integrative approach rooted in CBT, addressing long-standing patterns. is for those seeking to deepen their understanding of more complex and characterological issues within a CBT framework.
Presents a structured cognitive-behavioral program for stress management, often used in therapeutic settings. It valuable resource for understanding the principles and techniques of CBT as applied to stress and can be used as a self-guided workbook or alongside a therapeutic program.
Explores the connection between stress, trauma, and physical illness, drawing on compelling case studies. It provides a deeper understanding of how unaddressed stress can manifest in the body and emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being for physical health.
Presents Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R), a recent adaptation of CBT for individuals with serious mental health conditions. It reflects contemporary efforts to apply CBT in more complex contexts and emphasizes recovery and strengths.
Brené Brown's work on vulnerability, shame, and worthiness is highly relevant to stress management, particularly in addressing the stress that arises from societal expectations and the fear of not being enough. offers insights and practices for cultivating self-compassion and authenticity, which are essential for reducing stress and increasing resilience.
Explores the concept of the shame-based self, which core belief that we are fundamentally flawed and unworthy of love. It provides practical tools and exercises to help readers overcome shame and build a more positive self-image.
This workbook introduces a strengths-based approach to CBT, a more recent development in the field. It focuses on identifying and utilizing strengths to achieve goals.
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of various aspects of families in America, including historical trends, diverse structures, and contemporary issues. It serves as a valuable reference tool for gaining a broad understanding of the topic.
Explores brief applications of CBT, a relevant topic for practitioners in various settings. It provides guidance on adapting CBT for shorter-term interventions.
Introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and their impact on our ability to handle challenges and setbacks. Developing a growth mindset is crucial for building resilience and effectively managing stress. While not a stress management book per se, it provides valuable background knowledge on how our beliefs about our abilities influence our response to stress.

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