ASCEND 2 Day Agenda

 

 

Group Exercise: "Mapping Our Healing Journey"

Participants are provided with large sheets of paper and markers. They are encouraged to draw a timeline of their lives, marking significant events, including moments of trauma and abuse. This exercise allows participants to visually identify pivotal moments in their past and serves as a starting point for reflection and discussion.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Shared Experiences, Shared Understanding"

Participants are divided into small groups and given prompts to discuss their experiences of childhood trauma. Each group shares their insights and reflections with the larger group, fostering empathy and understanding as they recognize commonalities in their experiences.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Courageous Conversations"

Participants are paired up and given prompts to guide them in sharing their stories of abuse with each other. This exercise promotes vulnerability and trust within the group as participants practice opening up about their experiences in a supportive environment.

 

 

 

Group Exercise: "Emotional Regulation Toolkit"

Participants learn and practice various techniques for managing difficult emotions, such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and positive self-talk. They share their experiences and insights with each other, building a toolbox of coping strategies to use throughout the retreat and beyond.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Strengths Circle"

Participants sit in a circle and take turns sharing qualities and strengths they admire in themselves and others. This exercise boosts self-esteem and fosters a sense of community as participants uplift and support each other.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Embodying Our Stories"

Participants engage in a guided art therapy session where they use various mediums, such as paint, clay, or collage, to visually represent their experiences of trauma and healing. This creative expression allows for deeper exploration and processing of emotions in a non-verbal way.

 

 

 

Group Exercise: "Resilience Spotlight"

Participants take turns sharing moments of resilience and triumph in their lives, focusing on times when they overcame challenges or adversity. This exercise celebrates the strength and resilience of each individual within the group.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Mindful Body Scan"

Participants are guided through a mindfulness meditation focused on bringing awareness to sensations in the body. This practice promotes relaxation and grounding, helping participants cultivate presence and reduce stress.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Circle of Trust"

Participants sit in a circle and engage in a facilitated discussion about the importance of connection in the healing process. They share their intentions for supporting each other throughout the retreat and commit to fostering a safe and supportive environment.

 

 

 

 

Group Exercise: "Trauma-Informed Role Play"

Participants engage in role-playing scenarios where they practice applying trauma-informed principles in supportive interactions with survivors. This exercise builds empathy and enhances participants' ability to provide compassionate support to others.

 

Group Exercise: "Active Listening Circle"

Participants pair up and take turns sharing a personal story while their partner practices active listening skills, including validation and empathy. This exercise strengthens participants' communication skills and deepens their ability to connect with others.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Boundary Setting Workshop"

Participants learn about the importance of setting boundaries in relationships and practice assertive communication techniques for expressing their needs and limits. This exercise empowers participants to prioritize self-care while providing support to others.

 

 

 

Group Exercise: "Supportive Scenario Simulation"

Participants work in small groups to role-play various scenarios involving crisis intervention and supportive conversations with survivors. This hands-on practice allows participants to apply their skills in a realistic setting and receive feedback from their peers.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Resource Mapping"

Participants collaborate to create a list of local resources and support services for survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. This exercise empowers participants to access additional support beyond the retreat and encourages community engagement in addressing the needs of survivors.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Vision Boarding for Healing"

Participants create vision boards that represent their goals and aspirations for healing and growth. They share their vision boards with the group and discuss concrete steps they can take to work towards their goals beyond the retreat.

 

 

 

Group Exercise: "Gratitude Circle"

Participants sit in a circle and take turns expressing gratitude for the progress they've made throughout the retreat and the support they've received from each other. This exercise fosters a sense of closure and celebration as participants reflect on their journey of healing.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Candle Lighting Ceremony"

Participants gather in a circle and light candles as a symbol of hope and renewal. They take a moment to reflect silently on their experiences before blowing out their candles together, marking the end of the retreat and the beginning of a new chapter in their healing journey.

 

 

Group Exercise: "Community Commitment Circle"

Participants join hands in a circle and make a collective pledge to continue supporting each other and advocating for change within their communities. This exercise reinforces the sense of connection and solidarity among participants as they commit to being agents of healing and transformation.