ODVN – Hope & Healing from Within: Reducing the Toll of Vicarious Trauma through Somatic Techniques

Hosted by Ohio Domestic Violence Network:

Step away from your daily responsibilities in offices, courts, and shelters to spend a restorative day immersed in nature at Highbanks Metro Park. This year’s event is designed as a healing space to reconnect, reflect, and renew through laughter, movement, conversation, and hope. Together, we’ll explore the profound effects of vicarious trauma, a shared experience for many advocates and professionals working with trauma survivors. You’ll participate in meaningful discussions around the emotional labor of “holding space” for trauma survivors and how the body absorbs and stores this impact. You’ll leave with practical, body-centered strategies to support self-care, resilience, and sustained empathy in your role as a healing presence for others.

Facilitated by Wendy Ricks-Hoff (OVWA) and Sonia Ferencik (ODVN), we will focus on understanding how vicarious trauma shows up in our bodies and minds by engaging in activities that help recognize, release, and regulate stress and secondary trauma. Activities will include breakout groups, ranging from drumming, a walk in nature, rock painting, stillness, and Tapping (EFT). The afternoon invites you into restorative movement led by Michele Winship, an experienced yoga practitioner. Whether seated in a chair or on a mat, you’ll explore gentle yoga, somatic breathwork, and playful movement practices. These techniques are designed to support your nervous system, promote self-awareness, cultivate emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. Hope and healing are rooted in fostering emotional resilience, which prevents burnout and strengthens empathy in our professional roles and personal lives.  Join us for a day of renewal, hope, and healing!

Lunch will be provided. 

Registration ends September 18th. 

Cost: Free with ODVN  membership. $50 for non-members.

This training is offered by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. Please contact ODVN at training@odvn.org with any questions.