Every woman heals from domestic, family and sexual violence in different ways. It could be finding connection with others, trying something creative or feeling more comfortable in your body.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s groups program offers space to explore these experiences, with support to choose what aligns with their healing goals.
The program brings together five pillars of support for women using the Centre’s services, including therapeutic groups, learning, mind and body, social connections and creative expression.
Women work with their primary practitioner to choose groups that support their individual healing plan, alongside case work and counselling.
Tracy Matley, the Centre’s Holistic Wellbeing & Groups Coordinator, said the approach was about giving women choice while helping them understand how groups could support their recovery.
“We want women to feel supported in choosing groups that meet their needs and suit where they are in their healing journey,” Ms Matley said.
“That might mean joining a therapeutic group, exploring creativity, enjoying movement or spending time connecting with other women.”
Group programs are split into four terms, and the Centre’s Term 4 timetable, running from October to December, offers a range of experiences, including Martial Arts, Healing with Horses, Healing in Nature and Creative Connections.
Learning opportunities include a financial management course called Money and Me, Wings to Fly and Self Compassion.
Women can also explore movement through Move with Confidence, Foundations for Strength, and yoga.
Singing, clay and aromatherapy offer further opportunities to participate, while Cafe Connect and the Older Women’s Group provide time to meet and connect with others.
“The five pillars give women a variety of experiences to choose from, recognising that healing can involve many different kinds of support,” Ms Matley said.
“Groups will be part of a woman’s healing plan, complementing the work she is doing with her primary practitioner at the Centre.”
Women are encouraged to attend one therapeutic group per term and may also choose one or two groups from the other pillars, depending on their needs and readiness.
Centre staff will help them consider which groups may be suitable and how these fit with the other supports that women are accessing.
The four-term format aims to make participation clearer and easier to plan, while providing a sense of safety, consistency and choice.
Ms Matley said groups could also help women build connections beyond the Centre as they continued their recovery.
“Our hope is that women find opportunities for connection, creativity, learning and growth here, and that these experiences support them to engage with their wider community when they feel ready,” she said.