| |
You are here: Experts > People/Relationships > Marriage > Domestic Violence > Starting Domestic Violence for Women Group
Domestic Violence - Starting Domestic Violence for Women Group
Expert: Annie Kaszina - 10/23/2009
Question
Hi Annie,
I'm an Expressive Arts Therapy Clinical Trainee co-facilitating a DV group for women in November. I'm also a DV survivor myself and feel very passionate about helping these women through reflection and recovery. I work at a integrative basis, meaning I incorporate the arts as well as verbal counseling. This will be my first group, I am looking for an overall curriculum that I could weave into the group. I am considering the fragility of the group, so I don't want to push the women to a place they feel unsafe. Any helpful material you could forward me too? websites, books, as well as your own personal expertise? Also, are there any expectations of the group or critical points I would need to consider?
Thanks for your help
Abi"
Answer
Hi Abigail,
First let me say that I have seen therapists who work through art do extremely effective work, because this is a tehcnique that lets women address issues at their own pace, and in their own way - which has to be hugely important.
For myself, I use purely verbal techniques, being 'artistically challenged':-(.
The place I always start working from is the Circle of Violence. This tends to clarify women's thinking very quickly. I also teach The Circle of Despair; available only from my website www.EmotionalAbuseRecoveryNow.com/freeres.htm.
You need to be clear about what you think your group need to learn. I like to teach about boundaries, patterns, clearing past trauma, how to rebuild self-worth and better criteria for choosing a prospective partner next time. These are just some of the issues that I cover.
I'm also absolutely straight upfront about the fact that I, too, have been in an abusive relationship. This tends to create the kind of kinship that builds trust.
Of course, abused women are very fragile. You know that fragility from the inside. Once they know that you are 'one of them' and focused on their best interest, that trust creates the possibility of working effectively with them.
Good luck in doing your bit in breaking the mold of abuse.
As for the gentleness, I do not believe for one moment that you would be anything other than gentle: you know too well how destructive brutality is.
Warm wishes,
Annie
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
