Healing the Body to heal the mind

Have you experienced sexual trauma and is seeking a gentle and empowering path towards healing?

"Healing the Body to Heal the Mind: A Trauma-Informed Group" offers a safe and supportive space for you to reconnect with your body and discover new ways to heal from the impact of trauma.

What is "Healing the Body to Heal the Mind"?

This program recognizes that trauma affects your entire being – body, mind, and spirit. Drawing on the insights of Bessel van der Kolk MD and grounded in principles of trauma-informed care, mind-body connection, empowerment, somatic experiencing, and cultural sensitivity, this group focuses on "resetting your physiology." We understand how trauma can manifest in the body through:

• Dysregulated Breathing

• Throat Constriction

• GI Issues

• Loss of skin sensations

• Aches and pains

• Heightened Sensations

Our accessible and culturally sensitive approach integrates breathwork, gentle movements, and mindfulness practices to help you release trapped tension and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

In this 10-week program, you will:

• Reconnect with your body and cultivate a greater sense of presence.

• Learn to regulate emotions through mindful movement and breathwork.

• Build a safe and supportive community with other survivors.

• Establish a sense of safety and stability within your body.

• Develop skills and coping strategies for managing triggers and painful experiences.

• Promote self-acceptance and gain tools to manage triggers.

Who is This Group For? (Inclusion Criteria)

This group is for female-identifying clients:

• With an accepted ACC sensitive claim who are actively engaged with a Lead Provider.

• Experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, including PTSD or complex trauma.

This Group is NOT For (Exclusion Criteria):

• Individuals experiencing acute psychotic disorders or who are at immediate risk to themselves or others.

• Individuals unable to commit to all sessions.

• Individuals who are unable to participate in a group environment.

What to Expect in a Typical 90-Minute Session:

• Centering and Grounding: Practices to bring you into the present moment and connect with your body.

• Breathwork and Movement: Gentle, trauma-informed yoga postures and breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation and release tension.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Guided practices to cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation.

• Integration Activity (Optional): Opportunities for safe social connection through art, journaling, or sharing with the group.

Our Commitment to Your Safety and Empowerment:

• Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructors are trained to support you through any triggers that may arise, providing strategies and tools for processing and returning to the present moment.

• We offer choices around lighting, room setup, music, and props to create an empowering environment where you feel safe to take care of yourself.

• You are invited to notice your body's sensations and make choices throughout the practices. There are NO physical assists.

• We are trained to support you if triggers arise, providing tools for grounding and self-regulation.

• What you share in the group stays in the group – confidentiality is paramount.

• We value freedom and personal embodiment, creating a space of self-compassion.

Our 10-Week Program Themes:

Based on the eight limbs of Emotional Yoga by Bija Bennett, our program explores themes such as: Intention, Neurophysiology & Neurobiology of Trauma, Safety, Self-Care, Boundaries, Assertiveness, Strength, Trust, Acceptance & Self-Love, and Self-Compassion.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Referral Process: Your therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider can refer you to the group.

Initial Interview: We'll meet with you to discuss your goals and ensure the group is a good fit.

Informed Consent: You'll receive a consent form outlining the group's purpose, structure, and confidentiality policies.

Group Details:

• In-Person: Hamilton East Community House, and Glenview community House.

• Online: Via Secure Online Platform.

• Days and Times: See enclosed schedule.

• Start Date: Ongoing, First term Starting April 28, 2025. Second Term July Date to be confirmed and September 2025.

Meet Your Facilitators:

• Kirandeep Kaur (Lead): Qualified Social Worker, ACC Sensitive Claims Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, IFS Level 1 Trained, Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor.

• Gurinder Singh Sandhu (Co-facilitator): Experienced in Trauma Work (India), Qualified Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, and Student of Mental Health and Addiction Studies.

For Therapists:

To register your client's interest for an upcoming course, please complete our online enrolment form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1a5YUXIZLxLNY2d0Xkp0JRXFpBjRLHRSlKmI-SVxAtw8/edit

Please request a PO for Well Mind Psychology & Counselling (G0K677) for 15 hours x SCGW and 1 hour x SCGT with PO Start Date – 01 April 2025, to Expiry Date – 31 Dec 2025.

Please email confirmation of ACC funding approval, your client's name, phone number, and email address to support@abundancewellness.info.

Take the first step towards healing. Reconnect with your body, reclaim your mind.