Many homes are affected by addiction - whether it be alcohol, drugs, gambling or another substance like sex or work or study. Often in an addiction affected home the parents fight and are so caught up in their own problems that they forget to look after the kids. In fact the kids often try to look after the parents. They may clean the house, cook the food, look after any siblings and attempt to keep the peace at all times. These kids don't get to be kids at all, they grow up too quickly.
There are also those who were physically abused - hit, kicked, burnt or whipped, and those who were sexually abused - watching, touching, penetrating, rape. At the other extreme some kids were over protected and controlled due to their parent's fear of what could happen to them or they were controlled by their parents who wanted them to be their own best friend. Some people have kids so that there will be someone who loves them. They assume that a child will fix the emptiness they feel inside - solve all their problems and make them feel loved, worthwhile and needed. When this doesn't happen and the parent still feels empty and upset they can get angry at the child and abuse it.
For many of us, we just never got to be kids and relax and enjoy it. We didn't get to keep that innocence and awe at life and nature. We learnt to bury our emotions, to not trust anyone and to constantly be on guard and to protect ourselves. We learnt that we weren't okay and assumed that others wouldn't like us if they knew the real us - which we hide deep inside. We developed low self esteem and in many cases people actually dislike or hate themselves. We can be very self critical. All of this seriously affects our ability to relate with other people and enjoy life. Often as adults we find that we have attracted in people into our lives who treat us in similar ways to the abusers in our childhoods. We may even notice that we are repeating some of that treatment with our own kids. This can be devastating to realise.
People often feel trapped in a never ending replay of the past, controlled by it, constantly re-feeling the pain. Many choose to numb out totally and turn to addiction to avoid their feelings - not just substances like alcohol, drugs, work or food - many use smoking, coffee and sugar as forms of emotional escape. Others end up depressed, a few even suicidal. Some, get to the point where they've had enough and they seek help to heal. That is what this 1 day introductory workshop is about. Teaching you what is involved in healing from abuse and giving you some tools to start. If you've had enough and you're ready to move forward, this course is for you.
Learn:
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What abuse is
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How common it is
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What the impacts of abuse are
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Common blocks to healing
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How to break free of the impacts & heal yourself
Testimonials:
‘I particularly found the practical exercises beneficial. They give me something practical to focus on and do rather than just be stuck in limiting thoughts and behaviours. I enjoyed the course. I thought 4 weeks would be too short a course, but I’m amazed at how much you put into without it feeling overwhelming or rushed. I was impressed by your vitality and zest for life’ Catherine, Registered Nurse. [Originally this course was offered in the evening over 4 weeks]
‘It has made me realise I’m not as bad as I thought I was and that more of my behaviour is due to the abuse than I thought it was. It has helped me to see myself and my life differently and not to be so hard on myself’. Melissa, Chef
‘Thanks Jodi. Thankyou for all your efforts towards us all. You have a lovely energy and concern, and great presentation skills. I feel happier, more at peace, encouraged and have a greater sense of hope with regard to who I am, where I’ve come from, what I’ve been through, all I’ve learnt and am learning’ Marsha, Dental Assistant
‘The course has helped me understand that emotional abuse is abusive. It has helped me understand people, it has helped me understand myself and stick up for myself and has helped me to appreciate myself. I feel more confident in situations and has helped me to ‘speak my truth’ which has been really releasing for me’. Julie, Legal Secretary
‘I’ve
realised I’m not alone, and am normal and am feeling better for that’
Marie,
Secretary
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