Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group

The Life That Awaits You

September 14-16, 2012

Plainfield, MA



A retreat for women who have left an abusive relationship,

no matter how recently or how long ago,

and are wishing for healing.





















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IN THIS WORKSHOP WE WILL EXPLORE TOGETHER:



Understanding How Abuse Has Affected Our Lives

By learning and sharing about the impacts of relationship abuse, we will move away from isolation and self-blame, and take the first step toward recovery.



Regaining Faith in Ourselves

We will practice ways to build our self-confidence and self-esteem, and to healthfully manage stress and anxiety. Abusers silence their partners, so we will work on rediscovering our true voice and reclaiming power.



Regaining Faith in Others

Forming (or repairing) close connections to friends and relatives accelerates healing. We will learn how to make good decisions about which people to confide in, and then work on overcoming blocks to trusting again in the face of past betrayals.



Building a New Life that Works

We will discuss empowering strategies for moving into a new intimate relationshipwithout ending up with another abuser, and learn how to build and keep healthy boundaries.



Leaving the Past Behind

We will learn how to heal the pain of abuse so that we can stop dwelling on the wrongs that have been done, moving instead into freedom. We will learn how to begin to build a lasting support system to help us through this healing process, as we find joy again.





HOW WE'LL SPEND OUR TIME TOGETHER:


Group discussions
Emotional support
Movement activities
Art Projects
Singing
Relaxation Exercises
Free time
Outdoor fun/games





Retreat Fee:



Sliding scale from $385 to $460, based on your income. The fee includes lodging and all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. A reduced fee (below $385) may be available for individuals who would not otherwise be able to attend.



Space is limited to 22 people, so register early to be sure of getting a spot.





Retreat Location:



The retreat takes place at a beautiful rural retreat center in western Massachusetts, adjacent to woods and fields. The food is excellent and is flexible to meet people's dietary needs.





Retreat Leader:



Lundy Bancroft has been leading weekend retreats for abused women for five years. He is author of four books on relationship abuse, including Should I Stay Or Should I Go, Why Does He Do That?, When Dad Hurts Mom, and the national prizewinner The Batterer as Parent.

Lundy has presented to over 300 audiences across the US and Canada, and was featured in the PBS documentary "Breaking the Silence."

Lundy also offers weekend trainings on emotional healing and recovery through the Co-Counseling Alliance.

Outside of his work life, Lundy is an avid environmental activist, rock climber, snowboarder, actor, and baseball player.







To request a registration form for the September retreat, send an email to lundybancroft@juno.com, or call (413) 582-6700 and leave your email address.






WARM WISHES TO ALL!!



Lundy Bancroft