If you are living with the effects of sexual abuse, ready to fly but need a bit of help to get off the ground, these groups could be for you. 

In these groups you will be:

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• Building your strengths and restoring hope

• Developing a healthy self-concept

• Increasing your ability to experience a range of emotions

• Decreasing dissociation

• Reducing your sense of isolation, and breaking down secrecy

• Alleviating shame and guilt

• Developing trusting relationships

• Becoming a potent creator of your own life

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These groups are funded by ACC Sensitive Claims if you have an accepted claim and are currently supported by a therapist.​ Otherwise the cost of the group will be $750.00 (conditions apply)

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Who is this group for?

This group is designed for women who have experienced difficulty in their lives due to sexual abuse. We believe that individuals benefit most from these workshops when they have strong support available to them while processing any emotions that may arise. It is not recommended to go through this work alone, therefore we require that attendees are receiving ongoing personal therapy or counseling.

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To ensure the best possible care, it would be beneficial for us to have a brief conversation with your therapist before the workshop, and to provide feedback to them afterwards. This is similar to how you would expect your GP to be informed if you see a specialist.

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We encourage attendees to prepare for the workshop as they would for any intensive personal work. It is essential to have a trustworthy member of your support network available throughout the weekend,  in case you experience any distress or anxiety. This could be a friend, family member, or partner.

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Participants are welcome to bring any symbols, writing, artwork, or anything else that holds personal significance to them, which may serve as a resource during the weekend. This is entirely optional, and some individuals find it helpful while others do not.

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If you are unsure if this workshop is right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your concerns.

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We are pleased to be able to hold these workshops again. We will continue to monitor the risk of Covid-19 infection, but hope that in 2023 we will be able to offer more people the opportunity to take part in a Freedom to Fly workshop.

This year we plan to offer three standard weekend workshops, which are suitable for people attending for the first time, and also two longer workshops. Details of arrangements and costs for the longer workshops will be available later in the year.

 

Standard weekend Freedom to Fly Ōtepoti workshops in 2024 dates

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13th June to the 16 th of June 2024 - Dunedin

15th August to the 18 th of August 2024 - Dunedin

17th October to the 20 th of October 2024 - Dunedin

 

More dates to be confirmed 

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Workshop times:

Standard weekend workshops starts with a meeting on Thursday night, and finish at 3pm on Sunday afternoon, so you have some time to integrate and settle back into your routine before work on Monday.

Thursday: 3pm -9pm

Friday: 9.30am-5.30pm

Saturday: 9.30am-5.30pm

Sunday: 9:30am-5.30pm

2 hour follow up group either face to face or online time to be confirmed 

Please bring food for a shared lunch on each day.  We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits for morning and afternoon tea breaks.

 

Cost:

You can secure your place in a workshop by paying $100 (Non ACC Clients) deposit for each group you want to attend.

The cost of each standard weekend workshop is $750 (including GST), payable in full one week before the workshop begins. That is, the latest date you can pay is the Friday of the week BEFORE the workshop. This is so we can be sure that each workshop has enough people attending to give a good rich experience to group members.

ACC funding is available for participants attending these groups.  If you are an ACC client, please discuss this with your therapist and ask them to contact us. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to discuss this.

 

Cancellations:

There are always times when things happen and people have to cancel unexpectedly. However it makes it difficult for us to plan if people enrol and then cancel close to the time of the workshop. Please avoid last minute cancellations if you can.

We charge a cancellation fees to cover our administration time if you enrol, and then cancel within ten days of the workshop. There is no charge for cancellations more than ten days out from the beginning of a workshop, but we would appreciate you letting us know as soon as you can. Often there are women waiting for a place, and if you can’t come, someone else might be able to benefit.

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What women say about the groups

 

 "I have had an almost miraculous release. I feel I am no longer carrying any abusers/bad relationships with me. I'm not chained to a massive concrete block and dragging it around with me. I am truly free, and don't feel pulled by anyone. I'm standing on my own. I was also able to access my rage and power for the first time. I know now that I have it within me whenever I need it.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to do the course." 

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" I don't feel so alone, I thought that it was just me that thought it was my fault.  It turns out that all the woman in the group had a similar idea.  I know now that it was his fault not mine.  I was powerless, I was a kid." 

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"It so powerful to sit with others who know how I feel."

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"I felt so safe in the group,  I  was so scared at first, I made a plan to not go. I  am so glad that I did go and stuck it out.  I feel lighter.  I stay in touch with some of the women." 

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