Roots Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Roots is a 5 week psychoeducational group programme built specifically for survivors of sexual violence. This group is co-led by two Sexual Assault Centre Clinicians and focuses on the impacts of sexual violence and trauma and the management of common reactions after sexual assault, through the following skills:

• Gain knowledge about the impacts of sexual violence and/or trauma
• Recognize body responses including effects and impacts of sexual violence and/or trauma.
• Identify survival resources that help you cope with adverse experiences
• Assess, acknowledge and develop strengths, skills, and other resources
• Develop tools to increase a sense of safety and connection

This group incorporates evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of trauma based on Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness and Compassion based therapy.

We strive to create an inclusive and safe(r) healing environment. We recognize and honour various intersections of identity and lived experiences, including the ways in which these shape our physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing.