solution focused approach to abuse and trauma

(working with adult survivors of abuse & trauma)

The purpose of this workshop is to affirm workers in their current work with survivors of abuse and to increase attendees' awareness and understanding of abuse survival work generally. A wide range of tools and techniques are taught, which may be of use equally when working with both abuse and trauma survivors. The approach taken towards the subject is solution focused and those who are familiar with the work of Yvonne Dolan, will notice the influence of her ideas within the course content. She suggests that many former victims of abuse can be stuck either in the 'victim' or 'survivor' stage; the good news being, however, that both can move beyond this to a third stage: 'Living the Authentic Life'. Attendees on these one-day workshops are encouraged to work with their clients in a way that encourages them to adopt the view that living life well is the best way forward.

Objectives

.         This course is designed to enable attendees to:

.         Name the different types of abuse, neglect and trauma

.         Describe the characteristics of the victimhood, survivorhood and Living the Authentic Life

.         Use a variety of tools and techniques for helping survivors move further towards their Authentic Self

.         Name the pitfalls when working with abuse and trauma survivors

.         Highlight the most helpful and useful questions to ask abuse survivors

.         Feel more confident in their work with a wide range of people who have experienced either abuse, neglect or trauma

Course Content

Introduction and expectations
Listing the topic areas
What works in 1:1 work with survivors
What service users have found helpful
Helpful questions and statements
Naming the abuse, neglect or trauma
Survival skills
Dealing with anger
Three-stage process for adult survivors
Disclosing the abuse
The detail of the abuse
Blocks to disclosing
What equips us to do this work?
Implications of abuse work for workers
Getting to know the authentic self
The various tools and techniques outlined
Meaning and purpose in life
How we can improve practice further

What People Say
'Insightful and inspiring, it made sense to me.'  ..Family Therapist