Trauma Recovery Retreat - The Body Keeping Score
This Retreat was run in November 2024
Transcend Trauma UK and Stretching Through Trauma collaborated to provide a bespoke long weekend retreat looking at how trauma effects our bodies and our brains, how understanding this can reduce shame, increase empowerment and help us to rebuild and restore our lives.We lwelcomed our participants to Sidmouth in Devon, to two venues both within walking distance of the seafront and the river and the Byes. We used Kennaway House for our training based sessions and The Studio at Dissenters Hall for our body work. Over the weekend we offered a range of learning opportunities, application to self and somatic work to make positive change to mind and your body. The weekend was outlined as follows - why not look at some of the amazing feedback in our testimonials page.
Understanding Trauma and the Brain
We look at how trauma impacts and is processed by the brain. How understanding the neurobiology can help us to make sense of what our brains and bodies are doing, and when we understand we are better equipped to help ourselves.
What Dissociation Is and Why It Makes Sense
Taking a closer look at what dissociation is, why it happens and whether we should be concerned about it. We look at real examples of what it is like to dissociate and talk about how to manage times when you do.
Understanding Attachment
What is your attachment style? Have you ever thought about it, do you know how that is impacting your relationships and interactions with people? We look at how to identify yours, and how it manifests within your life.
Drama Triangle
We look at how the drama triangle can be played out within our relationships, and most importantly how to identify it so we can step off and choose an alternative.
Meeting Your Inner Child
Understanding and interacting with your inner child is really important to your personal development. Geraldine has trained extensively in inner child work and she shares some of her valuable insights in a practical workshop.
Introduction to the Body, Stretching, and Mindfulness Class
This foundational class introduces participants to the connection between the body, trauma, and mindfulness. Through gentle stretching and mindfulness practices, participants will begin to explore how trauma is stored in the body and how mindful movement can promote healing. The session aims to build awareness of the body's signals and develop skills for releasing tension and fostering relaxation. It sets a compassionate tone for the retreat, encouraging participants to reconnect with their bodies in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Partnerwork, Touch, and Trust Class
This class fosters connection and trust through gentle partnered exercises, focusing on touch as a means of building safety. Participants will engage in activities that promote mutual support, understanding, and emotional bonding. This session provides a safe space to explore and rebuild trust, particularly for those who have experienced trauma, through simple exercises.
Stretching Through Trauma Session
This session focuses on releasing trauma stored in the body through deep, mindful stretching. Participants will engage in exercises designed to unlock tension and promote relaxation, allowing them to reconnect with their physical selves. This process encourages emotional balance, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of inner peace. Each stretch is a step towards healing, helping participants release the past and embrace a more embodied, empowered present.
Tremor Release Exercises and Shaking
Tremor Release Exercises (TRE) use the body's natural shaking mechanism to discharge deep-seated tension and trauma. In this session, participants will be guided through exercises that activate these healing tremors, allowing the body to release stress and restore the nervous system to a state of calm. TRE is a powerful tool for emotional resilience, helping participants process and let go of trauma held in the body.
Wind Down and Breathwork Session
This calming session uses breathwork techniques and light stretching to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Participants will learn controlled breathing exercises that help reduce anxiety, release emotional blockages, and foster a deep sense of calm. This session serves as a gentle wind-down, encouraging participants to connect with their breath as a tool for ongoing self-care and emotional well-being.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
This meditation session focuses on cultivating compassion and kindness, both towards oneself and others. Through guided visualization and mindfulness, participants will be encouraged to send loving-kindness to themselves and those around them. This practice helps to soften the heart, release residual tension, and foster a deep sense of peace and connection. It's a soothing way to end the retreat, leaving participants with a lasting feeling of warmth and positivity.