ELBOWROOM - 8 week program

Combines evidence based approaches that assist women in trauma recovery. 

• Psychoeducation 
• Somatic Experiencing 
• Regulation Strategies 
• Supported exposure using martial arts 

Course Content

Understanding trauma and the nervous system 

Human rights 

Warning signs 

Tuning into cues of safety

Sensing and asserting boundaries 

Procedural tendencies and trauma 

Benefits 

Confidence, strength and resilience building 

Awareness of patterns in relationships

Attuning to personal space and boundaries 

Mindful awareness of body sensations as warning signs  

Regulation of arousal through grounding, alignment and containment exercises 

Attuning with defensive impulses that get stuck with trauma

Processing trauma by allowing the body to act in a way that was previously unsafe

Experimenting with verbal and physical responses to intrusion of boundaries 

Active defence responses to realistic scenarios

"This program is so essential in our current world – mindfulness, awareness, boundaries and movement for women is the missing link in the campaign around eliminating family violence"
“The partnered exercise assisted me to gain insight into my tendency to absorb others emotions as I find it hard to separate myself. I think this stemmed from always having to be alert to my ex partners mood and sudden escalations”. 

"In the Sun and Shadow exercise I felt much more comfortable when my partner was the leader.  I noticed feeling uncomfortable when I was in charge. This extends to real life where I find it hard to make decisions in case I'm told off or 'get it wrong'. I think I give others my power and I need to start having confidence in myself. I'm going to notice my tendency to do that and experiment with slowing down and responding in a new way". 

"In the boundary exercise I suddenly recalled a recent incident where someone was unkind to me. I became shocked when I remembered that I didn’t defend myself. I was struck by the thought that I had “no boundaries”. These experiences relate to relationships in my life, where it had been unsafe to assert boundaries and to have opinions. This has probably been happening for a long time. It was only in that moment while doing that exercise that I became aware of it. It's given me something to work on".

“I have never had space to find wellness in my body, it was too important to keep vigilant and notice danger. I didn’t think wellness existed in my life anymore. I’m so grateful to have found it in the wellness meditation and the more I Inoticed it the bigger the area grew”.

“When the facilitator was asked to go outside and make a noise, even though I was expecting it I felt my body become tense and alert. I realised I live a lot of my life this way just waiting for something to happen. I often feel sore and tired, and intolerant to those around me that I love. I’m going to need to explore this more as it would be good to know that I’m safe now so I can rest”.
“We explored our procedural tendencies when relating to others using balls. When doing this exercise one woman caught her ball, held it for some time and threw it gently back to her partner. When asked why, she explained that she felt it was her responsibility to hold and manage everything that’s asked of her and also to make sure the other person (intruding upon her) is okay too”.   

"Thank you for creating this wonderfully safe space. I appreciate being able to learn how to improve my self regulation and most importantly have a means/opportunity to practice these techniques as I struggle to do so outside of this time".  
"Amazing program. I really enjoyed the whole program and enjoyed it more each week that I came. The group that we had and the bond that seemed to form with every one by the end was great. Thank you so much"

"Thank you for allowing me to participate in this program. I totally feel that I have become more aware of my thoughts/emotions. I have gained so much insight and strength within myself. Thank you"

"I cannot express how grateful I am for the education, safety and experience I have gained from this course. I have really evolved through the weeks so thank you!"
"I had a great time, it helped me be more self aware of my emotions and what my body is going through"

"Warm, wise, warrior women. It was a privilege to be part of this innovative, empowering, supportive and much needed program".
"I find the body awareness theme of the program vital healing; and the calming strategies taught were easy enough for me to do on my own. Thank you so much for facilitating a safe space for us"

"Incredibly insightful and empowering. I feel better equipped to heal from my trauma but also prevent it in the future. I have learned about my rights and am starting to believe them. This is so valuable; I will recommend it to anyone. I wish everyone dealing with trauma receives the insight, work and experience that I have had. Thank You!!!"

"The alter changing and reflecting different characteristics and strengths was a really visual/tangible reflection of the thoughts and space being held. I was grateful and felt respected when I needed to opt out of an activity".  

"I appreciated what we learned a lot, especially sharing and listening to figure out what it all means. But I would have liked the course to be twice as long (16 weeks!)"