Survivor Retreats?

[ellienad]

Does anyone know of any retreats for trauma survivors/sexual abuse survivors? I'm in the US on the west coast, but I'm open to finding out about retreats anywhere. Wouldn't mind traveling as well ;)

 

[NicG]

I wouldn't know about the US, but here a lot of the hospitals have in-patient retreat-type things, and out-patient programs. Maybe they do something similar over there? I hear really good things about group therapy in that kind of situation, and getting to know people who help you remember you're not alone.

 

[darrenS]

i dont know of any retreats as such , as PTSD is far more complex than be able to be treated in a "retreat setting" , firstly trauma survivors require a high level of safety in their surroundings, when dealing with trauma and not many retreat settings have the capabilities , secondly some people when talking or opening up about any part of their trauma become suicidal or extremely reactive due to flashbacks. I have dealt with my PTSD in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have found outpatient as being more realistic. When you enter a safe place , it cocoons you , you do actually feel safe , but you also have to remind yourself its not permanent and that alone is a new kettle of fish

 

[Recovery4Me]

I found a beautiful place in CA. which to allow healing within the Regenerative Design Institute. It is not specifically for trauma per say but allowed a reconnection to nature on any level you may desire. A Permaculture Pathway often lends to spiritual reflection grounded in the beauty of one learning about gardening, nature itself, how to read the signs of life and soft camp fires with singing and sharing at night.

It is ran (by loan) on a sacred American Native Mountain and people from all over the world come to visit, for tours or courses. Everything is built from the area. Natural showers from mountain run-off, organic foods farmed there, hobbit like huts and areas to camp during their weekender times. One can learn much from these seriously loveable people.

I am not promoting, I am only answering on what helped my son and in my brief time spent there, myself. To me, to walk among that safe environment was a retreat from a too busy life and a tired mind.

http://www.regenerativedesign.org/

 

[darrenS]

I understand , its one thing i have always done as standard, reconnect with nature . I have travelled extensively and i find that any different environment can help, even Africa with all its craziness. My favorite place is Johanna beach outside of Melbourne (Aus) where for years i would replenish my soul there , sadly now its getting over run with people. Amazingly i have learnt that desert environments like New Mexico and Arizona help enormously with PTSD , i think it has something to do with being able to see well ahead of you