IS THIS THERAPY?

No. It is not therapy. It is a workshop designed to build connection, provide resources, and teach grounding, somatic and visualization techniques that can help when we feel dysregulated. It is also a space for survivors to feel heard and seen.

WHAT IF I AM NOT A SURVIVOR OF VIOLENCE?

I am very glad that you are safe and that abuse is not part of your history. You are welcome to join ashRISE. Challenges are part of the human experience and no one is exempt. We do not compare pain and we do not assume that anyone has never experienced meaningful setbacks, disappointments, betrayals or heartbreak. Learning grounding tools, developing a sense of community with others, and cultivating compassion are things we can all take part in. Please feel free to join: I value your input.

THE WORKSHOP

The HERO workshop is presented by Tiffini Johnson, an author, educator and survivor of extended childhood sexual abuse. The workshop is 4 hours in length, and is fully interactive with participants taking an active role throughout the entire process. The workshop begins with a creative activity in which participants complete a word study on the word hero. From there, the workshop explores trauma using trauma informed approaches to discuss the idea that the survivor has the tools within him/herself for healing.

The word hero becomes an acronym that is a 4 point, step-by-step process for making a creative piece that can help enable the survivor to redefine negative self-scripts and recognize their own strengths as survivors. A cornerstone of the workshop is hearing from survivors and devoting time to creating a meaningful piece unique to each participant. Time for discussing the idea of enthusiastic consent and practicing effective strategies for coping with the effects of trauma is also provided. The workshop concludes with a 15 minute Q&A

The main goals of HERO are to empower survivors to cultivate their own healing journey by using the 4 step method – contained within the letters of the workshop name and shared on the following page – to develop a personal, powerful and meaningful visual representation of what healing means to them, and to provide practical and effective coping strategies for those suffering through the effects of abuse while also demonstrating the power of connection by providing opportunities for survivors to share their stories. The workshop does this through interactive participation and discussion, as well as through the distribution of concise and practical resources that participants can use long after the conclusion of the workshop. It is unique in the level of participation, the creativity through storytelling, the development of a personal artistic piece and the materials distributed. The workshop is relevant for survivors of any sexual or physical assault and open to anyone who would like to better understand or connect with those impacted by abuse through trauma – informed methods. The workshop strives to inspire curisosity, empower survivors and heighten awareness in a safe space that is uplifting, positive and impactful.

THE FOUR STEP METHOD:

H – Recognize and honor the person you were—and are and recognize the differences between honor and remembrance.

E – Combat the negative self-scripts with evidence and embrace education on coping strategies.

R – Remember and grieve for what happened. Acknowledge that there was trauma. Connect with others who have been through similar stories.

O – Armed with the coping strategies, honoring the person you were—and are by using the evidence to combat negative self-scripts and remembering to give space to compassionately grieve with others, overcome the barrier to healing by unleashing the HERO superpowers within and creating an artistic piece to catapult healing.

WORKSHOP TIMELINE

Ice Breaker / Introductions
Word Study – Interactive Opportunity
Survivor One testimony
HERO presentation, including 15 minute reading
Survivor Two testimony
Break
Personal Piece Development
Discussion / Sharing
Wrap-up / FAQ

WHAT PARTICIPANTS TAKE HOME

a 90 page book with additional resources
a guide to help give words to those who are ready to share

WHAT IS THE COST?

100% free, no strings attached whatsoever.

WHERE DOES THIS TAKE PLACE?

It is offered virtually. You can check the Engagements Page or sign up for more information on the next workshop date here.

CAN I BE ONE OF THE SURVIVORS WHO SHARE?

Of course. To be one of the two featured survivors, please drop me a note here.

WHERE CAN I SIGN UP?

You can learn more here

You can sign up here.