Embody to Empower explores the importance of embodied healing for survivors of sexual violence utilizing holistic healing arts that address the impacts of trauma on the mind, body and soul. Our founder shares insights gained as a sexual assault and rape survivor, her experiences working as a medical/legal advocate, her trauma training as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and her research on the use of alternative healing arts for sexual assault survivors. This unique combination of personal, academic, and professional experience is the catalyst for our mission to connect survivors of sexual violence with trauma-informed, sliding-scale, holistic healing arts practitioners.
The workshop covers the impacts of sexual trauma on the mind, body, and soul, examines research from experts in the field of trauma healing and what survivors report about their journey to recover, and how sexual assault survivors are identifying creative and innovative ways to transform the wounds of trauma and also, the world around them. Recognizing that healing is an ongoing, lifelong process for some, healing practices that can sustain survivors long beyond the immediate crisis of trauma are centered in this discussion as well as a discussion around the multiple, intersecting barriers to care.
In order to give participants an experiential understanding of embodied healing the workshop includes opportunities for participants to practice subtle, yet powerful, techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation and mindful movement, followed by time to reflect on those techniques through writing. All movement, breath and meditation techniques are optional and modifications will be offered.