What would it feel like to truly accept your body—without judgment, pressure, or shame?
Starting Monday, May 26, the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre invites women who are experiencing or have previously experienced domestic, family and/or sexual violence to join a new, free six-week Body Acceptance Workshop.
Designed by and for women with lived experience, this supportive program offers a gentle, creative space to begin building a kinder relationship with your body.
The workshop, led by Malika Reese and held at the Centre in Shellharbour, draws from Malika’s healing journey.
“I spent years feeling ashamed of my body like it wasn’t mine or wasn’t good enough,” she said.
“This class grew out of my experience of slowly finding my way back to myself – and I wanted to create a space where other women could begin that same journey together.”
The workshop combines open discussion with creative activities such as writing, drawing, and collage.
These expressive tools help participants explore themes like body awareness, self-talk, and the inner critic’s harsh voice. Together, the group will look at the powerful influence of family, community, and society in shaping how we see ourselves – and how to begin letting go of those negative narratives.
“You don’t have to love your body right away,” Malika says. “Sometimes we start with acceptance. Then maybe we move to like. And maybe one day we get to love. It’s not about rushing that process – it’s about giving ourselves permission to begin it.”
Participants will also explore bodily self-care and learn how to treat themselves with more compassion.
The Body Acceptance Workshop begins Monday, May 26 at 12.30pm, and runs for six weeks at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Contact us to register on 4243 9800.
The Centre also provides a self-care group, mind, body and connection group, walking group and music group, among other services.
