The 12 step retreat in Nelson NZ will be facilitated by people who understand and empathise with the pain mental afflictions can cause. By not placing judgement and practising reflective listening, it is our hope that the client will feel heard and cared for. This will enable inner exploration and growth within a safe environment.
At the beginning of each retreat, we initiate a community agreement, which is a shared agreement between all involved in the retreat. It will cover such things as how we wish to work together, including guidelines of how one would feel respected, address sensitivity to diversity (in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi), anonymity, and endeavour to speak from a non-judgemental space. In building such agreements we believe we can collectively make the space safe so each participant can express freely, whilst being held in positive regard. This process is influenced by Carl Roger’s client-centred therapy and Marshall Rosenberg’s adaptation, non-violent communication.
Additionally, we take inspiration from Abraham Maslow’s “Theory of human motivation”, the hierarchy of needs, and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Working with these influences and guidelines we work to uncover, discover and discard that which does not serve us anymore.
Through this process of examining our past experiences and trauma, in private therapy, group counselling, meditation/reflection and journaling we will see that our behaviours have sometimes hindered our need for safety, relationships, material wealth, physical and emotional health etc. Believing that these areas are vitally important for furthering our moral awareness and emotional maturity, we find ways to face then heal our past, so we can live with dignity, restore our esteem, and fulfil our potential; self-actualisation.