Survivors I

Healing Childhood Relational Trauma

Workshop Quick Summary

Workshop: Survivors I

Category: Emotional Trauma

What: An essential element of our Meadows inpatient programs, Survivors I is also offered as a standalone workshop that explores the origins of self-defeating behaviors.

Who: Anyone who is feeling “stuck” or needs help understanding and letting go of past trauma or hurtful experiences to experience freedom

Cost: $3,950, which includes meals, evening activities, Brain Center, and gym access (NOTE: Most workshops are now eligible for reimbursement through most insurance plans.)

Lodging: Reserve single or shared on-site rooms

Workshop Quick Take:

An essential element of our Meadows inpatient programs, the Survivors I workshop focuses on uncovering past trauma that is impacting the present.

All About This Workshop

Based on Senior Fellow Pia Mellody’s pioneering work in her book, Facing Codependence, Survivors I is our signature workshop and an essential element of our Meadows’ inpatient treatment programs. Because we’ve seen firsthand how beneficial it is in that setting, we decided to offer it year-round as a standalone workshop, open to all interested individuals. This weeklong workshop delves into childhood trauma that impacts our present-day life.

In a safe, supportive environment, Survivors I explores the origins that fuel self-defeating behaviors such as addiction, trauma, mood disorders, and troubling relationships. Childhood wounding is approached with compassion, and new skills are taught in order to “re-parent” yourself. The primary focus of this workshop is processing and releasing the negative messages and emotions rooted in painful experiences from the past, allowing you to embody your authentic self and move forward in freedom.

We do this in three phases:

Informational Phase – Through psychoeducation, participants are introduced to the concept of developmental immaturity and the impact of the profound relationship between the child and the major caregivers. As perceived through the eyes of the child, the wounding is highlighted, without placing blame on parents. Participants discover the impact their childhood experiences have had on their self-esteem, boundary system, level of dependency, and ability to be moderate in all things.

Debriefing Phase – Participants explore the less-than-nurturing and/or abusive recollected childhood experiences with a focus on the accompanying associated feelings and imprinted messages, and consequent self-defeating patterns.

Experiential Phase – Participants re-examine their childhood relationships in a safe and nurturing environment through the application of Pia Mellody’s techniques for addressing childhood relational trauma. This phase typically serves to release painful emotions, with participants beginning the process of re-parenting the parts of themselves that have been shamed, neglected, or abandoned, and reclaiming their rights and personal power.

Cost: $3,950 (Workshops are private pay, but most are now eligible for reimbursement through most insurance plans.)

This workshop includes:

  • meals
  • evening activities (yoga, tai chi, auricular acupuncture, live music, equine experiential)
  • 12-Step meeting
  • Brain Center access
  • gym access

Lodging and Transportation

Lodging is available at the Rio Retreat Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms are simply appointed and designed to be conducive to the process of healing and recovery. We offer both shared and private rooms. For those staying on campus, transportation will be available from and to the Phoenix airport with three convenient pickup times. Details will be sent with your confirmation email upon completion of the sign-up process.

The Fine Print

Workshop groups run Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30 am to 4 pm. The schedule is somewhat flexible to accommodate the size of the group and the group process. Evening programming is provided after dinner. The Rio Retreat Center campus is strictly alcohol-and drug-free, and we have a dress code, cell phone, and smoking policy.

For more details about this workshop and to register, please contact us to speak to a Workshop Coordinator.

Schedule

Survivors I

Weekly