WHAT WE DO
Taking Back Ourselves creates safe, nurturing, and diverse spaces where survivors are empowered to free their voice, connect with community and feel that healing is possible through an embodied recovery process. Taking Back Ourselves supports that mission by hosting Weekends of Recovery and Events of Healing for survivors of all walks of life, both virtually and in venues across the country. These events provide a safe, deep and joyful multi-modal experience and create a powerful community of survivors. We offer scholarships and free resources for applicants who do not have the means to travel or participate.
When survivors experience community and healing in a safe and embodied way, then everybody—men, women, children, our planet— are better off.
WEEKENDS OF RECOVERY
Weekends of Recovery offer something unprecedented in traditional recovery support. Folks from around the world come together to heal and create community. They leave their isolation behind and create real safety. They are able to tell their stories and be believed. They experiment with being vulnerable, connected to the children within and the persons they are today, to make room for possibility and curiosity. They explore their creativity with incredible art and movement.
These weekends typically accommodate a maximum of 24 participants and 6 attuned, experienced facilitators from across the U.S. The ratio of specialty therapists to participants in small groups is a powerful adjunct to recovery. Each member of the TBO team brings decades of experience, compassion and skill to the work with survivors of trauma.
Level 1 Weekends of Recovery
Level 1 Weekends of Recovery are offered to all individuals, whether you have participated in a TBO event before or are new to our community. Each Weekend is different, designed with emphasis on different topics.
While having an individual therapist or counselor is not mandatory for participation, it is strongly encouraged so that each participant has individual support before and after the Weekend.
Before the Weekend, you will be assigned a facilitator for an initial intake interview. This interview will be an opportunity for us to tell you what to expect, and for you to ask questions and share your strengths, fears, hopes, concerns, and excitement about the Weekend. The facilitator will utilize this time to assess which small group will be best for you during the Weekend. Please note that these interviews are kept completely confidential.
Advanced Weekends of Recovery
Advanced Weekends of Recovery are offered only to Alumni, as they go much deeper than Level 1 Weekends. You must participate in a Level 1 Weekend before attending an Advanced Weekend.
After the Weekend
After participating in a Level 1 Weekend of Recovery, you become a member of the Taking Back Ourselves Alumni community. As an Alumni, you will be part of a powerful network of survivors and gain access to additional TBO events and groups.
Events of Healing
Events of Healing celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and share the journey of recovery through art, music, and stories.
Whether you have experienced sexual abuse in your family, in your church or temple, in a school or in sports, in the military or in your workplace, we welcome you and those caregivers, families or friends who support you. Events of Healing provide a space to join together in lifting the veil of secrecy and shame of sexual trauma. By bringing the issue of sexual abuse and assault out from the shadows, Events of Healing create an opening for increased awareness and to recognize that healing is truly possible.
There are personal stories with a panel of who speak about the gifts and challenges of recovery, a survivor art exhibit, information about what is available for survivors in your community, and a chance to share together as a community. This is an opportunity for all survivors to ask questions, and to find resources and support.
These events take place across the U.S. If you are interested in seeing an Event of Healing in your area, contact us.