Freedom to Fly

A Group For Female Survivors of Sexual Abuse who want to thrive.

If you’re living with the effects of sexual abuse and are looking for support to help you take flight, our Freedom to Fly workshops might be just what you need.

In Our Workshops, You Will:

Build Strength and Restore Hope: Empower yourself and reignite a sense of possibility.
Develop a Healthy Self-Concept: Cultivate a positive self-image and self-worth.
Increase Emotional Range: Learn to embrace and process a wide array of emotions.
Decrease Dissociation: Enhance your connection with the present moment.
Reduce Isolation and Break Down Secrecy: Connect with others and share your experiences in a safe space.
Alleviate Shame and Guilt: Address and overcome feelings of shame and guilt.
Develop Trusting Relationships: Forge meaningful connections with others who understand your journey.
Become a Creator of Your Own Life: Gain the tools and confidence to shape your future.

Who Should Attend?

Our workshops are designed for individuals who have faced challenges due to sexual abuse. We believe the best outcomes come when participants have strong support systems in place. It’s essential that you are receiving ongoing therapy or counseling during this time.

To ensure you receive optimal care, we will have a brief discussion with your therapist before the workshop and provide them with feedback afterward. This process is akin to how your GP would be informed if you were seeing a specialist.

Preparing for the Workshop:

Support Network: Have a trusted person available throughout the workshop weekend to help with any distress or anxiety that may arise. This could be a friend, family member, or partner.
Personal Items: Feel free to bring any symbols, writings, or artwork that hold personal significance, although this is optional.

If you’re unsure whether this workshop is the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a discussion.

Workshop Dates for 2025:

Freedom to Fly Otepōti Dunedin (32 hour Group)

June 19th to 22nd
October 30th, 31st, November 1st, 2nd

Professional Women's Group (1.5 hours per week for 20 weeks)

Start date to be confirms

Freedom to Fly Invercargill (32 hour Group)

December 4th to 7th

Freedom to Fly Christchurch (32 Hour Group)

June 5th to 8th

Freedom to Fly Auckland

August 22nd 23rd 24th 16-hour group
October 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 32-hour group
November 14th 15th 16th 16- hour group

Costs:

Non-ACC Clients: Secure your spot with a $100 deposit. The total cost for the workshop is $750 (including GST), payable one week before the workshop begins. Please ensure payment by the Friday of the week before the workshop to confirm your place.
ACC Funding: Available for eligible participants. Discuss with your therapist or contact us directly for more information.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that unexpected events can occur. Please avoid last-minute cancellations as they impact our planning. A cancellation fee will apply for cancellations within ten days of the workshop. There is no charge for cancellations more than ten days before the workshop, but notifying us as early as possible is appreciated. This allows others who may be waiting for a spot to benefit from the workshop.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey of healing and transformation.

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 a so grateful for the opportunity to do the course."

" 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."

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

"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."

“This Work Changes Lives: Inside Freedom to Fly’s First Dunedin Workshop”

Reflections from the Facilitation Team at Wai Counselling and Psychotherapy

Bringing the Work South
This June marked the first Freedom to Fly group to be held in Dunedin at Wai Counselling and Psychotherapy. Founded by Marian Hammond (with Estelle Mendelsohn), the programme brings together women and non-binary people to do deep recovery work through psychodrama, creative expression, breath, and relational healing.

Naïve to Evangelist
One facilitator reflected: “I came in completely naïve. I didn’t know what to expect. But it was transformational. I’ve had my socks blown off. I’m a Freedom to Fly evangelist now.”

On Playing Heavy Roles
Facilitators described what it’s like to pick up roles such as perpetrators in dramas. “It’s taxing,” one said, “but what we’re doing is soul retrieval in real time. The shame is given back. The child is brought home. And after the drama, we have a cup of tea. There’s no residue. That’s the power of the team holding.”

Team Culture = Group Safety
Participants notice the integrity of the team. One new facilitator said, “As a participant, I felt held enough to go to dark places. I could trust the process. And now, being on the team, I see how intentional it all is.”

The team models emotional honesty with each other. They normalise shame, check in deeply, and share insights openly. “What we model becomes what the group mirrors.”

Cultural Safety & Inclusive Language
The team discussed the importance of naming marginalised experiences. “When we only say ‘ladies’ or ‘women’, we erase people,” said one non-binary facilitator. “This group is for women and non-binary folk. Inclusive language is part of trauma-informed care.”

Marian Reflects
Co-founder Marian Hammond shared: “Coming to Dunedin has been a privilege. There’s a deep sense of community here. People keep coming back. I’m always blown away by their courage.”

Whānau in Practice
The group begins with kai, connection, and karakia. Facilitators offer presence, not pressure. “We create a family kitchen on the first day. That sets the tone. People learn they can be seen and still be safe.”

Past participants return with food, with songs, with stories. The ripple effect is real. One said: “You matter. However you show up. This is where we start creating something new.”

Enrole in Freedom to Fly

Please complete the form and we will contact you and your Therapist with further details.