Cycle of Violence
V.A.L.O.U.R (Valuable Authentic Lives of Unlimited Resilience)
A therapeutic group for women who were sexually abused as children. The program focuses on healing and empowering strategies for dealing with the effects of the abuse in women’s current everyday life and relationships.
The W.A.V.E. support workers can provide specialist support and relevant referrals, for women who were sexually abused as children. The Drop In Phone in service is available 5 days a week no appointment needed (see our home page for opening hours). Workers are available to support women attending private or public hearings through the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child sexual abuse.
Managing Difficult Emotions
An 8 week group for women who would like to develop a better relationship with some of their more difficult emotions. The program looks a anxiety, depression anger, guilt etc highlighting practical and healing strategies based on both cognitive theory and creative holistic methodologies.
The next group will begin in Term 1, 2017. Contact the Cottage for details.
Ongoing Groups:
Jacaranda Group
A healthy social network and activity group for women 50 plus meets fortnightly on Mondays.
Relaxation Meditation Group
Relaxation self care and meditation – a two hour group that meets fortnightly on a Friday.
Drumming Circle
Our Women’s drumming Circle runs through school terms on a Tuesday 11am – 12.30pm. Bookings through the Women’s Cottage, we have some drums available or bring your own, both beginners and experienced drummers welcome.
B.L.U.S.H. (Bi and Lesbian United Sisters of the Hawkesbury)
Group meets monthly on a Friday evening; contact the cottage for details. Please click on link to see a list of BLUSH activities Blush 2017
Waking the Whole Woman
A Series of Workshops & Retreats for adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
This free program offers intensive recovery and personal development opportunities for women survivors of child sexual abuse who are ready (sufficiently progressed in their healing journey of counselling/self development and/or self awareness) to integrate and embrace their true selves and live an authentic life.
This is not appropriate for women who may just have started on their healing journey, but developed for those who are able to self manage even when working deeply with the effects of trauma.
During the program participants are guided to develop self-care practices, map and celebrate their healing journey, reclaim lost or hidden parts of self, embrace and integrate personal strengths, envision a new way of being, create a way forward and develop a supportive community of women.
Participants will also build skills such as mindfulness, centring and self-awareness, reflection, journaling, creative expression and building relationships and community.
The program is a series of workshops and retreats which include:
- Gathering the Circle – an introductory session to create a safe space
- Safety to Heal – 1 day retreat
- Weaving the Strengths – 1 day retreat
- Embracing the Whole Woman – a 2 day overnight retreat
- Sustaining Change – follow up gathering
Individual counselling and support is available as needed during and after the program, women are encouraged to work with their individual counsellors outside of the workshops.
To receive the greatest benefit, women are encouraged to participate in the whole program, places are limited and priority will be given to women who can attend all the workshops. The next program will run after July 2016.
For information and registration package email: counsellor@womenscottage.org.au
