Throughout my journey with AWBW, I have grown spiritually and emotionally. I have been through my own traumas from Domestic Violence and have had many life-changing situations thrown in my path. These life lessons have helped me connect with the survivors that I meet with and support them in thinking about the positive outcomes of a situation, whether it’s what has already happened or their goals for the future. This helps a person with trauma go from victim to survivor. When we realize that we can learn and grow from our past, it cannot hold us down anymore.
One of my clients, who is now a grandmother living with her daughter and grandchildren, has had a tough time finding a good balance with her role in the home. She does not want to overstep, but also wants to provide support for her family. Throughout her AWBW journey, I have noticed a substantial change in her mood and demeanor. Little by little, she started communicating more and feeling better about the outcome of things. We mostly focus on boundaries, communication, and confidence for our workshop themes. It is nice that we can incorporate a project that the clients have in mind into the AWBW workshops. It shows the clients that they can use these techniques in their everyday lives.
One of the AWBW workshops we did was, My Traveling Story. I specifically chose this workshop because the last time I met with my client we talked about her past and the happy times, but after every happy story there was also a negative memory. I told her that just like the weather tarnishes the iron and discolors the wood, the trauma that we carry with us and do not resolve can do the same to us. We talked about root problems and ways for her to de-stress when those issues come up. I would redirect to help her focus on the positive. I asked her questions like, what did you learn from that tough situation? Is there something that you can still learn or take away from that situation?
This workshop has the person decorate an item with memories of their past and where they want to go in the future. One thing that is important to my client is to tell her story. She wants to leave something for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to enjoy. We decided to repurpose a bench with words that are important to her. She wrote quotes, prayers, key words, and affirmations on the slabs of wood for the bench; this was made to be a conversation starter. My client has also started a memory garden that we have slowly added pieces to. She will have the bench in the garden so the family can come sit and chat about the fun times with those they have lost. I am excited to see her use these techniques in her everyday life so that she can continue to live a full and happy life.
DVHEART services are made possible by Grant Number 90EV0470 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Its contents are solely the responsibility of A New Leaf and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
