Self-Management
43 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
SLFO NC003 Nature and Self-Healing—Beginning: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adults explore self-discovery and self-healing techniques. Students also explore nutrition and stress management techniques. Outdoor activities may be part of the course. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC004 More Alive: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
All psychotherapies and personal growth activities that increase happiness and wellbeing fundamentally address our feeling of aliveness. Class members will identify the established and emerging psychological perspectives and societal developments that most directly enhance their vitality, incorporate them in their daily routines, and present the outcomes in lively class discussions. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC006 Continuing Adventures in Self-Esteem: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Older adult students will learn stress-reducing tools to avoid burnout and explore practical new ways to integrate constructive communication skills into their lives. This class provides powerful personalized coaching and supportive feedback that can transform negative stress into positive action steps. Special emphasis will be given to developing individualized action plans for creating optimal change in students’ lives. This intermediate class presents new material for students who complete the basic Adventures in Self-Esteem class. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC007 Consciousness, Science, and the Nature of Being: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
This class focuses on current thought in the physical and social sciences, and in spirituality. Our understanding of ourselves and the world is growing with remarkable rapidity. Older adult students will develop their critical thinking skills as they consider whether there is an evolution of consciousness that underlies the great discoveries being made. To aid in this inquiry, the class exploits Internet resources and invites guest speakers. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC008 Life, Death, Afterlife: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
This class draws on scientific, psychological, and transpersonal perspectives to address the topic of life after death. Through the use of lectures, discussions, readings, and videos, older adults explore topics including the miracle of life, what survives, the three levels of our experience, being with dying loved ones and processing powerful emotions. Helps older adults come to terms with life, death and the afterlife. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC009 Rock-Folk Music and the '60s Consciousness Movement : For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adults explore how '60s music is a reflection of the collective psyche. Students exercise memory, practice effective communication skills, and develop self-wareness as they reminisce about life experiences. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC013 Ten Vital Tools for Creating the Miraculous: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Teaches older adults how to make the leap from powerless to powerhouse in this dynamic, experiential course. Using the wisdom of the 'law of attraction,' students apply a variety of tools to realize personal goals and desires. Older adults learn to believe in themselves and develop an increased sense of control through the aging process. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC014 Healing Yourself Whole - Staying Sane in a Crazy World: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Older adult students learn to identify common emotional and behavioral problems, acquire insight into thinking processes, and practice psychological and behavioral tools to make desired changes a reality. Topics include neurolinguistic programming (NLP), healing the inner child, energy field therapy, and self-healing techniques Skills include improving communication skills, dealing with stress, fears and depression, setting realistic goals, and making the most out of mistakes. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC016 Body/Mind Awareness: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Exploring the role of physical and cognitive creative stimulation in maintaining the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults achieve a greater sense of self-confidence, sense of control, and a level of independence through stimulating activities. Students engage in activities that include reminiscing, moving to music, and other techniques to enhance acuity and health. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC017 Healing Our World: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Students use critical thinking skills to examine chronic social problems and learn to be a healing instrument of power and compassion. the older adult students develop confidence in the value of their own wisdom and experience. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC020 The Psychology and Physiology of Positive Aging: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
In this class, older adult students learn how to define health and wellness as a body, mind, and spirit continuum. Topics include recognizing stress factors and symptoms, chronic inflammation, nutritional awareness, problem solving, and benefits of hypnosis and meditation in aging. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC021 Adventures in Self Esteem: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adults learn how to increase self-esteem and build more effective communication skills while regaining control and increasing their quality of life. Students also learn constructive communication patterns that empower them to be in charge of their lives. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC023 Turning Points in Thought From Film: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 24 (8 lecture, 16 lab)
Older adult students will examine themes and events in film and discuss thoughts, perceptions and emotional reactions from different perspectives in psychology. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC025 Compassionate Communication: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adults learn to ask for what they want without fear or guilt, deepen connections with others, enhance long term relationships and heal painful ones. Students learn to speak from the heart to address feelings and needs. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC026 Behind Appearances-Integrating Psychology and Spirituality: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adults learn to uncover personal psychological insights to decide what steps to take on life’s journey. Through increased body consciousness and practice, students release inner wisdom and put it to use. In this class, students learn to activate the potential for wisdom, increase self-awareness, and improve decision-making skills. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC027 Economic Issues That Affect Us All: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Older adult students learn evaluation tools to protect themselves, compare options, and improve decision making by following economic and financial principles. Students exercise critical thinking and analytical skills through the examination of information in the news, advertisements, and targeted mailings that directly impacts their lives. Topics include national economic issues and policies, health care, life insurance, consumer purchases, investments, banking, and credit card offers. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC028 Love Isn’t Enough - Handling Conflict, Creating Romance: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Using ideas from Harville Hendrix, John Gottman, and Andrew Christensen, older adults explore the nature of romantic attraction, why conflict seems inevitable, and what happens to passion in long term relationships. The class teaches specific skills for better communication, managing conflict safely, rekindling romance, understanding gender differences, and keeping a relationship together for the long run. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC029 Reading and Writing Poetry for Personal Growth: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Older adults discover ways of looking at poetry that help them look back over the events of their lives to see what still needs to be resolved. The reading of poems becomes a vehicle to see the meaning and purpose of their life. Students write their own poems in class and listen to one another's poems when ready to share. This helps them notice the similarities in the human experience and deal with future life issues in creative ways. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC037 Transforming Anger: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Older adults develop self-esteem and self-confidence as they learn to change patterns of anger with Nonviolent Communication, asking for what they want in a way that they and others can enjoy. Students learn that they are upset because: they are not getting what they want; they blame someone or something when not getting what they want; they are about to speak or act in such a way that will most probably guarantee that they will not get what they want. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC038 Forgiveness - The Healing Journey: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 10 (10 lecture)
Older adults learn to heal hurt, anger, and resentment to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. Students learn how forgiveness can release old negative emotions and make room for new positive, constructive, energizing thoughts, feelings and actions. Topics include healing estranged relationships in family and business, forgiveness as the gift we give ourselves, the process of forgiveness, and gaining the freedom to be healthy and happy. Students also learn to distinguish between forgiving and reconciling Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC039 How Meditation Helps - Mindfulness in Everyday Life: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 15 (15 lecture)
Meditation is a practice that can help older adult students greet the challenges and joys of aging with greater courage, acceptance, and clarity. In this experiential course, students practice a range of meditation techniques that encourage health and well-being. Students learn how to focus their attention in the present moment, bring awareness to habitual patterns that no longer serve them, and allow their breath to strengthen their body and calm their mind. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC040 Self-Hypnosis for Health, Harmony and Weight Loss: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Older adult students practice therapeutic self-hypnosis to improve overall health and well-being through improved sleep patterns, weight loss, and reduction of anxiety, stress, fear and pain. Students learn methods to encourage relaxation and optimistic thought patterns. In addition, students learn nutritional information that will positively alter their relationship to food and food products. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC047 World of Interest: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Explore and discuss contemporary issues and events with other students, resulting in increased mental alertness and improved mood and attitude. The class explores mentally and emotionally stimulating topics related to international, national, state and local events. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC048 Analysis and Discussion of Current Events: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Designed to increase awareness of contemporary issues and current events from a variety of perspectives and to encourage discussion of these topics with other students. The class explores topics on international, national, state, and local issues. Students are encouraged to ask questions, provide perspectives, and share information on the class topics. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC049 Therapeutic Music—Mythology and Medicine: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 9 (9 lecture)
Using psychological paradigms, this course draws upon ancient mythology and Renaissance ideas related to music to explore the healing power of music throughout the ages. Older adults participate in experiential exercises, including listening and reacting to live and recorded music, to discover how music is connected to healing, memory, self-esteem, and creativity. As an example, students consider why a traditional instrument of healing, the harp, is frequently still used today for therapeutic purposes in the health care environment. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC051 Essence of Compassionate Communication: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 10 (10 lecture)
Class teaches older adult students to listen and speak more effectively by applying the Compassionate (Nonviolent) Communication ™(NVC) process of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Students learn how to reduce conflict while creating connections. Topics include how and why NVC works so well; how to improve relationships with clients, family, and friends; and how to defuse difficult situations. This class provides immediate benefits and helps clarify concepts of NVC as a basis for ongoing study and practice. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC060 Treasures from Sacred Traditions: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
This class teaches the secrets of various sacred traditions to help older adult participants incorporate any traditions that help them feel more alive, happy, peaceful, and loving. Students learn about the truths and methods developed by leaders of the Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish, Sufi and Native American traditions. Class includes lectures, films, slides, readings, and sacred music. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC061 Ten Ways to Find and Sustain a Lasting Loving Relationship: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Older adults learn techniques to find, define, shape, and sustain a lasting relationship. Topics include overcoming the Cinderella myth, understanding the effects of cultural myths and the media, and finding lasting love online. Students will learn the questions to ask that indicate whether a potential partner is really ready for a lasting relationship. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC064 Creatively Dealing with Life Changes: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
In this class, older adult students learn 18 practical tools that will enable them to resourcefully optimize this season of their life. Students can let go of the past to create the future they most want, transform unwanted events into exciting opportunities, and consciously create change before it happens. The most consistent thing in life is change, and students learn how to take charge of their lives by taking charge of life's transitions. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC067 When Love Meets Fear: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
In this class, older adults learn techniques to free themselves from the grip of fear so that it no longer stops or drives them. Topics include the origins and meanings of human fears of intimacy, abandonment, and closeness. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC072 Honing the Intuitive Edge: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (15 lecture, 5 lab)
Older adults learn that intuition, like a muscle, can be developed, expanded and strengthened to build rapport and make relationships more meaningful. Students experience the benefit of entering situations with the confidence and competence that comes from the senses being fully attuned. Older adults learn to see, hear, feel and know far more than was thought possible, thus building self esteem and self confidence. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC073 Unlocking your Inner Potential: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
In this class, older adult students will learn effective ways to unlock inner resources and potential. Participants learn ten quick and powerful tools for enhancing quality of life by learning to accept themselves despite past mistakes and failures. Students learn to let go of the past, and through moving on with excitement and joy live fully present in the moment. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC075 Self-Control through Self-Hypnosis: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Students learn how to use the unconscious mind to harness mind/body healing and goal-achieving power. Self-hypnosis is commonly practiced by older adults, often without knowing it. This experiential class builds on what older adults are already good at, even though they are probably unaware of this skill. Students discover how self-control through self-hypnosis can support desired outcomes to achieve self-control, confidence, and balance. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC082 Travels and Explorations: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Virtually explore the history, culture, language, and cuisine of distant places without needing to leave the classroom. Older adults recall and share key memories evoked by discussions and presentations and so improve mental recall, retention of information, and self-expression. Students also develop an appreciation of the value of their role and contribution in the global community. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC083 Mindfulness Meditation: Opening Your “I”: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Older adult students will explore the concept of ‘mindfulness’, associated meditation techniques, and the application of mindfulness practices to examining life adversities. This class is appropriate for beginners and more. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC084 Creating Passion, Intimacy, and Lasting RomanceOA
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Intimacy and passion don't just happen--they are created. Especially in long-term relationships, it takes conscious attention and skill to keep the excitement and romance alive. In this course for couples and singles, older adults learn specific ideas and skills that they can use to increase their sense of pleasure and intimacy with their partner, and strategies to keep their relationship vibrant and growing. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC088 Reclaiming Joy: Meeting Your Inner Child – For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
The child of one's youth still lives within, affecting moods, decisions and behavior. If this Inner Child is nurtured, a world of positive possibilities, creativity and joy opens. In this class, older adults rediscover and get to know their own Inner Child. Students learn how to heal the wounds of childhood and forge a loving bond with this core aspect of personality. What awaits the older adults at the end of this journey can be the most powerful healing relationship of their lives. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC094 How to Communicate Simply, Lovingly, and Effectively: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 6 (6 lecture)
Based on the therapeutic principles of Attitude Reconstruction, older adult students will learn how to communicate constructively and effectively. Topics covered include the Four Communication Rules, the Lucky 13 Communication Tips for talking with others, the "I" 5-Step to speak up about any difficult topic, and a model to resolve differences easily. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC097 Nature and Self-Healing-Intermediate: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 25 (10 lecture, 15 lab)
Class teaches older adults advanced self-discovery, self-healing, and advanced alternative healing techniques in an outdoor setting. Advanced techniques taught include meditation, stretching techniques, journaling, forgiveness, examining limiting beliefs, and the purpose of anger and gratitude. Participants should be able to walk two to three miles uphill at a moderate pace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC105 Dementia and the Caregiver: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 14 (14 lecture)
This course explores a range of approaches to how caregivers can provide quality of life care for their older adults. Topics include warning signs, legal and financial issues, ways to engage the patient in their own care plan, dealing with dementia-related behaviors, and palliative and hospice care. Students will examine communication techniques and ways to develop a care plan that involves the medical team, friends and family, and local resources for the patient and their families. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC126 Growing Through Loss: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 20 (20 lecture)
Loss is inevitable--healing is optional. The greatest loss in life is what dies within us while we live. As we age, we experience loss in many ways: death, divorce, health, finances, and career, for example. Loss provides unparalleled opportunity for older adults to discover their inner strength and the hidden, untapped resources which empower them to live with new direction, hope and joy. This class provides older adults with an arena for effective emotional healing and a moderated support group to share grief work in a safe space. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC144 Serenity in the Fast Lane - Disappearing Stress: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 10 (10 lecture)
Older adults learn why stress is unhealthy and how they can learn to relax even when they think they are too busy to do so. This class presents twenty simple, highly effective, and fast-acting techniques to help students quickly and easily reduce tension, rapidly ease or even clear away pain, achieve insight into personal problems, and significantly lower stress levels. Mature students will learn how these stress-reducing techniques will enhance and extend their lives and sense of peace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
SLFO NC182 Ten Ways to Be Happier Now: For Older Adults
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- 0
- Hours
- 12 (12 lecture)
Older adults learn skills for becoming happier. Students realize that they have the power to change their own attitude. Students explore things they can do now to create more happiness in their mature life. Topics include: developing a sense of humor about oneself, dealing with life's transitions, forming new friendships, attitude of gratitude, improving self-esteem, adapting to change, using nature as a guide to happiness, using music for happiness, forgiveness, getting your past out of your present. Course restricted to 98 repetitions