A Return to the Authentic Self: Healing the Power Wound of Victim-Perpetrator Dynamics with Diane Poole Heller, PhD

In this interactive workshop, we will explore how Somatic Experiencing® techniques and a variety of spiritual practices can be used to reawaken your clients’ joy of living.

The complex wounding relationship that exists between victims and their perpetrators can present unique challenges to the therapeutic professional.

The intensity of an invasive sexual or violent encounter can create strong and disabling relational issues for the victim. The client may develop victim-perpetrator ‘fusion’, loss of differentiation, increased ambiguity in relationships, coupling of rage and powerlessness, or a need to repeat or act out either the victim and/or perpetrator identity.

This engaging workshop applies an effective interplay between Somatic Experiencing® techniques developed by Peter Levine, Ph.D. and Diamond Approach spiritual practices.

Lectures, live demos and interactive exercises will provide professionals with essential practical skills to address chronic or acute abuse dynamics. These skills will alleviate unnecessary suffering, support and integrate client’s emotional, spiritual and physical wholeness, and reawaken in them the joy of living.

Learn to:
- Repair ruptured boundaries and enhance a sense of personal safety
- Dissolve dissociation by clearing and discharging high arousal states
- Choose effective treatment strategies for sadistic behavior and non-sadistic abuse
- Resolve lingering relational ambivalence
- Understand Savior, incompetent Protector, and Perpetrator Trauma Transferences
- Help clients complete the fight/flight or freeze responses in a way that creates lasting empowerment.

An additional module on Victim Perpetrator Dynamics will be available. The workshop is appropriate for anyone working in the helping professions.

Diane Poole Heller, PhD, is an international expert in the field of trauma resolution with 30 years’ experience in spiritual studies. An author, teacher, and therapist, she serves individuals dealing with the aftermath of intense crises and also helps spiritual communties learn how to integrate expansive spiritual states.

We apologize for changes in the schedule but this was due to a family crisis with the teacher, so greatly appreciate everyone's flexibility.

Extend Your Stay. We are offering a 25% housing discount for additional nights. Come early and relax before your program starts or stay an extra day or more after this program to savor your retreat experience.

Please arrive between 2 and 5pm on Friday, November 10. Program ends with lunch at 12:30pm on Sunday, November 12. View Detailed Program Information.