Cost $400
Additional costs for this retreat are being generously subsidized by a woman survivor. 



Now I Become Myself*

A Circle of Trust Retreat for Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse

Now I become myself. It's taken
Time, many years and places;
I have been dissolved and shaken,
Worn other people's faces...
         -May Sarton
        (*excerpted from "Now I Become Myself" (Collected Poems 1930-1993)

We invite you to join us for a Circle of Trust retreat that is designed to be a safe space for women to reflect on their life journey, on-going healing and who they are becoming.  Grounded in deep respect for honoring each woman's internal wisdom, the retreat will invite reflection on where each is in her journey toward wholeness and how she may take the next steps forward in her life.  Journaling and individual reflection will be coupled with small and large group conversation led by skilled facilitators. There will be between twelve to eighteen women participating in the circle.
 
Gathering in circles is an ancient practice being revived in our times.  We have dialogue circles to improve communication, conflict resolution circles to negotiate crises, therapeutic circles to explore our emotions, problem-solving circles to puzzle out hard questions, team-building circles to cheerlead for a common cause, and collaborative learning circles to deepen our education. All of them have worthy purposes, but none of them has the singular intent of a circle of trust: to make it safe for the soul to show up and offer us its guidance.

To register online, please click here.

 --Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness
The Circle of TrustR approach incorporates a defined set of principles and practices developed by Parker J. Palmer, the Fetzer Institute and the Center for Courage & Renewal www.couragerenewal.org
<http://www.couragerenewal.org/>   . Poetry and stories are vehicles for reflection and deep listening in the circle; ample time is also included for individual reflection and solitude.  

All activity is held in the context of invitation: individuals are safe in knowing their choices regarding disclosure and participation will be honored and held in confidentiality. While not a therapeutic circle, participating in a Circle of Trust can result in a sense of greater self awareness and inner healing.


For a full write-up of this program suitable for public posting, please click here.

Facilitators:

 
Barbara Hummel, M.Ed., has a master's degree in counseling and personnel services. She has co-facilitated Circle of Trust retreats in the Midwest since 2002. In addition, Barb works with leaders and organizations to tap existing strengths and identify options to improve work environments and accelerate interpersonal development.  She has been affiliated with the national Center for Courage and Renewal since 1999, and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Marcy Jackson, M.S.W., M.P.H. has worked with individuals, groups, and families as a child and family therapist in outpatient settings and on an Indian reservation related to experiences of grief and loss and marital and family issues. Marcy is Co-director of the Center for Courage & Renewal where she has primary responsibility for CCR courses and programs. She has been facilitating retreats, based on the Circle of TrustR approach, nationally and internationally since 1996.