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Writing to Heal

Writing to Heal: Soothing the soul through words, images, and experiential activities
Writing to Heal: Soothing the Soul (through words, images, and experiential activities) is a dynamic, experiential and reflective writing-based course that encourages and allows participants to transform feelings about past abuse, assault or violence into empowered hope. Participants will use writing, art, and movement exercises to address topics that impact many survivors and loved ones.

The 10 week course, starting October 10, 2011, will cover five topic areas.

  1. Internal Resources
  2. Trauma: The Basics
  3. Safety
  4. Triggers
  5. Gratitude

The course includes:

  • 6 real-time phone-based writing groups
  • 4 scheduled “assignments” per topic (2 per week)
  • Daily reflective emails (quotes, snippets, music)
  • Private online forum to share writing and art with facilitators and other classmates
  • A welcome package with supplies and course materials

By the end of the 10 week course, participants will have learned new, rewarding techniques to work through old, challenging emotions. Survivors and loved ones will feel a renewed sense of hope, community and connection with themselves and with others.

Dates:  Real-time writing groups will meet on the following evenings:

  • October 10, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Topic 1: Internal Resources)
  • October 24, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Topic 2: Trauma Basics)
  • November 7, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Topic 3: Safety)
  • November 21, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Topic 4: Triggers)
  • December 5, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Topic 5: Gratitude)
  • December 19, 2011, 7:30 – 9:00pm Central (Closing call)

Who should sign up?

  • Writing to Heal: Soothing the Soul is designed for transgender folks, gender variant individuals, and loved ones whose lives have been touched by sexual abuse or assault. (All other identities are welcome to participate! Likewise, people who have experienced other forms of violence will also benefit from this course.)
  • The course is designed for individuals who are at nearly any point in their healing from sexual violence. (If you have been recently assaulted, it may be best to work more slowly than this course is designed. If you would like a referral to a therapist in your area, please contact FORGE at AskFORGE [at] forge-forward [dot] org or 414-559-2123.)
  • You can sign up for one, two, or all three 10 week sessions. There is no requirement to attend sequentially, so choose the sessions that most appeal to you, or the ones during times when you are able to attend.

How do I sign up?

  • Send an email to tgwarrior [at] forge-forward [dot] org with your name and desire to participate. FORGE staff will email (or if you prefer, call) you back and fill you in on the details.
  • Once you are signed up, we will send you a welcome packet with the supplies you will need for the course.

What does it cost?

  • Free!

What do I need?

  • The welcome packet FORGE will send you that includes most of the supplies you will need for the course.
  • Access to the internet (preferably in a private, quiet location).
  • Access to Skype (free registration at www.skype.com) and a webcam. (Note: You do not need to have the web camera facing you to participate. For those who do not already own or cannot afford to buy a web camera, there are a limited number of scholarships available.
  • An eagerness to participate and share with others in the group if you feel comfortable.

Learn more?

Please contact michael munson (tgwarrior [at] forge-forward [dot] org) or Loree Cook-Daniels (LoreeCD [at] aol [dot] com) to discuss any questions. You can also reach FORGE by phone at 414-559-2123.