Friday, May 30, 2008

A message from Mike: Calling all male survivors!

Here is the flyer for our 18th annual male survivor weekend at Kirkridge.
If you want a more distant adventure (or know someone who might) you can get information about this summer's workshops in Switzerland on our Web site: www.nextstepcounseling.org

All the best,
Mike

KIRKRIDGE
RETREAT AND STUDY CENTER
Leaping Upon the Mountains:
A Men's Abuse Recovery Weekend
MIKE LEW AND THOM HARRIGAN
Aug 15-17
7:00 Fri dinner through Sun lunch
Cost $380 ($190 deposit)
This weekend workshop is for non-offending adult males survivors of sexual child abuse, rape, physical violence, emotional abuse and/or neglect. Our goal is to offer a safe, encouraging environment of healing. The weekend will provide a variety of healing activities, including the sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work and other emotional expressions, small group discussion, relaxation and yes, even fun.

This event is for men who are actively engaged in recovery work; it is not a substitute for therapy. A letter or recommendation from a therapist must accompany the registration
form/deposit. The registration deadline for this event is Aug 1.

Led by Mike Lew, and Thom Harrigan of the Next Step Counseling in Brookline MA.
Mike is the author of Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse.
Thom leads groups for male survivors and has worked extensively in this field.
For more information see: www.nextstepcounseling.org

For registration forms, contact KIRKRIDGE RETREAT AND STUDY CENTER
2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013-6028, 610-588-1793 . Fax: 610-588-8510
or go to www.kirkridge.org

Visit our Web Site at:
http://www.nextstepcounseling.org

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am reading Mike Lew's book now, his first book that is, and am getting a lot... I mean a **LOT** out of it. It is extremely helpful, and encouraging.

I didn't know about this workshop/conference, but now that I know about it, I am seriously considering attending.

Thanks.

RSH

Realist said...

Our annual weekend RESIDENTIAL weekend, takes place once again at Urchfont Manor, Wiltshire, (UK) and is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse and sexual assaults.
The weekend is highly participative and focuses on several activities - group discussions, sharing of stories, anger work, other emotional expression, shared creativity, relaxation and even FUN in a safe, nurturing environment.

We provide a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment of shared discovery and healing, with the weekend focusing on the reality of recovery, as can only be shown by being with and around fellow male survivors.

� Arrival time: 5.30pm AND 6.30pm where you will join in the company of other men, looking at and working on issues that have affected all male survivors, and by working throughout the weekend, in groups, small workshops and other arenas of healing, you will begin to reach a deeper understanding of the issues, and you will begin to see a better way forward, free from the hurt and pain that has held you in isolation for so long.

You will be given a timetable of the weekend events upon arrival, with the first main group meeting will begin after Dinner.

There are many valid reasons for holding these weekend, but a simple way of describing it is as follows:

WE REMEMBER...

� 10% OF WHAT WE READ
� 20% OF WHAT WE HEAR
� 30% OF WHAT WE SEE
� 50% OF WHAT WE HEAR AND SEE
� 90% OF WHAT WE DO


....so we learn most by doing and reflecting on our actions!

There are safety rules built into the weekend to ensure everyones safety during the weekend, but the THREE primary rules we insist upon are:

1. MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY BETWEEN THE GROUP.
2. NO VIOLENCE, OR THREATS OF VIOLENCE DIRECTED TOWARDS ANYONE, INCLDUING YOURSELF.
3. NO ILLEGAL DRUGS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE WEEKEND, OR MISUSE OF ALCOHOL.


Considerable attention has always been invested in creating an environment respectful of participants' needs, and it remains our intention to provide that at this great venue.

Due to selling out early last year, it is advisable to pre-book in advance, to avoid missing out.

Please be aware that the weekend could generate strong emotions, so it is recommended that you have to someone to talk with, be that in therapy or with a counsellor willing to meet with you after the event, if such a meeting is required.

It would also be advisable to ensure that on departing the weekend, that you take a day or two off work, so you can spend some time processing what happened during the weekend. Although this may not be possible to arrange, please try, as you will be taking part in a busy weekend, and you deserve to take some time out and rest.

N.B. This event is intended for men actively engaged in their own recovery work.


COMMENTS RELATING TO PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS:

"A unique experience that allowed me to share, explore and understand how sexual abuse effected myself and other survivors "
"I have never been to such a safe, AND non judgemental place before!
"I'm still reaping the benefits of spending time with some of the most amazing men I have ever met."
"I was able to be ME, vulnerable, scared, ashamed, angry and experience whatever emotions or feelings I had"
"Attending the weekend made me realise how far I'd come the past 12 months after breaking my 36 year silence, and that I was not alone.
"I could face the coming years and carry on my healing journey. I also met, and made some new friends, with these amazing people."
"All those men, together in one place, sharing their stories and visons of recovery was an experience I will never forget"
"I was scared of what would happen, and had no idea what would occur, but it surpassed everything I could have imagined"
"A fantatsic weekend, spent with some amazing men who made the whole experience worthwhile"
"I broke my silence whilst there, and have not looked back since the weekend"
"A special time, spent with some amazing men. I will be back again to feel the power that comes from the weekend"