Trauma is a fact of life. It does not however, have to be a life sentence.
Peter Levine
We recognise that unexpected and unthinkable things can happen to all of us - through the work we do, from violence, accidents and other kinds of overwhelming experiences and catastrophic losses. Openground's trauma-informed programs offer you the first stage of trauma recovery help: safety, stabilisation, symptom reduction, and skills training.
Retraining the nervous system
Trauma disrupts our attention, so that we are constantly on alert for danger or withdrawing and shutting down to avoid overwhelm. Mindfulness group training offers a vital new pathway for the cultivation of safety and the building of renewed attention and connection. This fresh attention can then be used now - to build energy, to nourish oneself, to learn, to make connections with family and friends.
You are not alone
You will be supported by the relationship with the teacher and by the group. And there is no need to share your trauma story or history. Much of the transformation comes by way of practice; you can work with the teacher to find practices that help you to find more calmness, non-reactivity and clarity. This course is designed to complement your existing therapy or support system, providing you with invaluable tools to navigate the complexities of your healing process.
MBSR for Veterans and their familites
Our team has been offering MBSR for veterans over the past 4 years with good results. Here is some of what they said:
- “Thank you for allowing me to learn these skills. As someone who suffers from crippling PTSD, I recommend this course to any veteran who suffers ... I can’t recommend this course highly enough.”
- “I am calmer. I am slower (much) to anger. I have more patience. I pause before almost anything. I give better hearing/listening to my children and my Mum. I am able to be less critical (internally and verbally). I like who I am more”
- “I have learnt to 'read' my bodies reactions and not be so reactive, my response to kids behaviour is far more positive and therefore having a much calmer flow on effect. However when grief takes hold, I let it run its course, crying but not losing my 'shit'”.
- “An astoundingly beneficial course. If I could I would swap the mental care I had in service to give this mindfulness training to every recruit at the beginning, during, and at the end of their career it has been THAT significantly positive to my health and outlook and safety to myself and others around me.”
