Healing Circle for Sexual Assault Survivors
A Healing Circle for female-identifying individuals who are survivors of trafficking and/or sexual assault.
As a sexual assault survivor, you find yourself often struggling in silence and shame. You experience deep suffering, loss and pain. In the Healing Circle we will hold space for collective healing – to help women reconnect with their body, reclaim their voice, and experience comforting touch*. It is possible to heal the wounds of sexual assault, to find self-love, dignity and wisdom while leaning into the rock-like strength of the feminine spirit.
*All touch is optional and negotiated. An example of a comforting touch is a paired sharing/listening exercise where partners sit close together. The listener touches the sharer in a way that is agreeable for both, maybe gently holding a hand while the sharer shares. Also, see the photo, where participants are holding hands as the Circle is closing.
The Details:
Who: Open to female-identifying individuals. Limited to 6 participants who are committed to attending all four sessions.
When: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:15 pm
Where: The offices of Mind Body Wellness, in the heart of downtown Morgantown. Note the office is not handicap accessible.
Cost: Pay What You Can**
Sponsor Healing: $95 covers the costs of your program, plus a portion for someone who has less financial resources than you at this time.
Sustain Healing: $70 the actual cost
Support Healing: $45 a reduced fee for individuals who require support at this time
**Note that Healing Circles, while therapeutic, are not considered therapy and thus not covered by insurance
About Your Facilitator, Shannon Waliser, MSW, MPA, LICSW
I am a highly sensitive, deeply passionate, fun-loving soul. When I am not facilitating Circles or in the office you can find me playing in the snow, on the water, hiking or lifting in the gym. I am an animal lover and a foodie. I love to learn and have a knack for thinking outside of the box.
And in case you are wondering, here are my professional credentials: I have 25+ years of social work experience, much of that in a clinical setting. I have been in private practice since 2009. My work in Circles has been influenced by Jalaja Bonheim and her practice of Circlework. I am passionate about working with small groups of people in a strengths-based, non-pathologizing, embodied manner to empower them to have the skills and knowledge to fully embrace their superpowers. I believe in the power of community and connection.
