LaShawn Williams: Moving beyond shame and shutdown to build “relational muscle"
Exploring what it takes to stay rooted in relationships when values clash, identities differ, or old wounds resurface
Dr. LaShawn Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, and Relational Change Strategist whose work helps people move from disconnection to mutual empowerment. With expertise in Relational Cultural Theory and anti-oppression practice, she focuses on healing shame and building sustainable connection across differences. Known for her blend of heart, rigor, and practical wisdom, Dr. Williams equips individuals, families, and organizations with the tools to create authentic relationships that last.
At REPAIR, Dr. LaShawn will lead two sessions of Relational Stamina: Staying Present Across Difference. Her four-part workshop invites participants to explore what it takes to stay rooted in relationships when values clash, identities differ, or old wounds resurface. Instead of withdrawing or cutting ties, Dr. LaShawn will guide participants through a process of grounding, empathy, identity work, and resilience-building.
Relational Stamina: Staying Present Across Difference
Friday, October 24, 8:30am-12:30pm
Saturday, October 25, 2:00pm-6:00pm
Description: It’s easy to withdraw or cut ties when relationships get hard—especially when deep differences in values, identity, or past hurts are involved. Are there ways to stay present without losing yourself? This workshop offers practical tools for navigating connection, identity, and shame with care, including how to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Designed for anyone who has been cut out of a relationship—or has made the difficult choice to step away—it invites honest reflection, skill-building, and hope for all possibilities. Through guided exercises and group discussion, you’ll learn how to engage difference with compassion, protect your well-being, and cultivate the resilience needed for authentic connection.
During the workshop, participants will:
Explore the foundations of relational connection through the Relational Movement Process.
Practice steps of mutual empathy to stay engaged when things get hard.
Understand how identity and relational fatigue affect our capacity to stay connected.
Move beyond shame and shutdown into tools that build “relational muscle.”
Create a personalized Relational Stamina Plan to carry forward into daily life.
Through guided exercises, honest dialogue, and a framework rooted in both compassion and clarity, this workshop offers hope for those who have stepped away—or been cut out—of meaningful relationships.
Dr. LaShawn helps us see that with the right tools, stamina, and heart, it’s possible to stay present in the face of difference and repair what matters most. This heartfelt workshop will be offered twice, once Friday morning, and again Saturday afternoon.
When polled, more than one-third of REPAIR registrants said their top priority for attending is gaining practical tools and skills they can use in real relationships.
That’s exactly what Dr. LaShawn delivers. Her workshop is filled with concrete practices for navigating tension, setting healthy boundaries, and moving from shame to authentic connection.
This is not just theory—it’s a hands-on experience designed to leave you with strategies you can apply immediately in your relationships, communities, and workplaces. If you’re looking for a workshop that will equip you with take-home tools to boost courage and clarity, and to stay connected across deep differences, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Can’t wait to see you in October!