Join inside out & associates and Hearing Voices Network NSW for a one-day workshop and learn creative ways of of working with voices with Rai Waddingham!
Cost…
$185.00
Some subsidies are available (see registration form for application details)
About this workshop…
Research suggests that hearing voices is a fairly common human experience that isn’t, in itself, a sign of a mental health problem. If we know where to look, voice-hearers can be found in history books, spiritual traditions and popular culture. However, when someone feels overwhelmed by the power and intensity of the voices they hear, knowing that Gandhi and Lady Gaga heard voices doesn’t always help. Equally, a standard list of coping strategies can leave people feel isolated and hopeless rather than empowered.
Whether people feel unable to speak about the voices they hear, are afraid of sharing the details, feel stuck and talking just doesn’t seem to help or simply want to approach things from a different angle – working creatively together can provide some alternative ways to connect. Whether it’s finding a symbolic language that doesn’t trigger difficult voices, creating a playlist to communicate how it feels to hear the voices or drawing on mythology, film or literature to express experiences that are bigger than words – creativity goes beyond artist talent to thinking outside of the box. These strategies can be useful for those supporting adults, young people and children with their experiences.
This workshop explores: a relational approach to voice-hearing; ways of nurturing your own creativity as a supporter; strategies for exploring different aspects of the voice-hearing experience; strategies for coping with distressing voices, emotions and beliefs; ways of using creativity to improve people’s relationships with their experiences and feel more empowered.
About Rachel (Rai) Waddingham…
Rai combines personal experience of trauma, psychosis and hospitalisation with experience gained through training and practice. Having completed the 3 year Open Dialogue training in London, she has worked in the first UK Open Dialogue team combining crisis and community care. A voice-hearer, Rai’s work is rooted in the principles of the Hearing Voices Movement. She has created and managed innovative projects supporting children, young people, families, adults and people in prison who hear voices or have unusual beliefs. She is an international trainer and spokesperson, promoting ethical and creative responses to people in severe distress. Rai is a trustee of the English Hearing Voices Network and Vice Chair of ISPS UK.
About Hearing Voices Network NSW…
Hearing Voices Network NSW is part of the wider Hearing Voices Network a movement of voice hearers, professionals and carers that operates hundreds of self-help groups all around the world. Together, we are united in our mission to promote recovery and reduce the stigma associated with voice hearing voices. More information at www.voicesnsw.com.au