It’s Not Your Fault

Series of Lectures and Workshops

Ilene has created a series of workshops to help people heal from their past traumas and live a more vital and present life.

Do you ever notice that your brain and body move in different directions? Even though you know what is best for your recovery, your actions get in the way? This workshop can take your recovery to the next level by learning a new paradigm of healing through Somatic Experiencing. Participates will engage in a series of invaluable experiential exercises which lay the foundation for a new and safer relationship with your body and sensory experiences. Participants will find a deeper connection within and a greater capacity to live a meaningful and vital life.

During the workshop participants will…

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Explore your own unique definitions and interpretation of trauma and conceptualize a new definition of trauma and healing.

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Discuss the different types of traumas including shock trauma, chronic stress, secondary trauma, and collective trauma and attachment issues.

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Gain an in-depth knowledge of how past traumas can lay the foundation for empowering ourselves to heal the present and create a vital and hopeful future.

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Explore a model of healing rooted in safety within ourselves

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Build resilience and self-regulation, the primary elements that contribute to trauma recovery.

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Learn how traumatic memories are held in the body differently from other memories.

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Learn how the primitive brain overpowers the emotional and rational brain when trauma strikes.

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Explore the value and significance of the fight, flight and freeze mechanisms for survival and learn to identify a trauma reaction when danger is not present.

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Explore the value and significance of the fight, flight and freeze mechanisms for survival and learn to identify a trauma reaction when danger is not present.

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Explore how using the past to ground ourselves in the present allows us to develop the vision we desire.

“The inhabitants of Prince Albert, in the great Karoo of South Africa, had the privilege of workshopping with Ilene Smith over a weekend to understand and assess trauma within themselves and their community, and, more importantly, to learn how to resource and build resilience for the future. South Africa as a nation could greatly benefit from the work of Ilene, which creates a safe container for people to come to terms with trauma and how it presents, individually and collectively. Prince Albert has appealed to Ilene to return and continue the work, which will facilitate an entire community moving towards healing and building a safe and trusting space for all. We look forward eagerly towards Ilene’s return.”

– Ingrid Wolfaardt, Chairperson, Prince Albert Community Trust
Prince Albert, South Africa

“I never thought I could turn my life around like this. After spending years in and out of eating disorder and alcohol treatment, I never thought I would fully recover. Ilene has an incredible way of making you feel safe. Her workshops teach you how to develop a new and more powerful relationship with your past so you can create a happier and more present life. I truly did not know this was possible.”

– Jennifer K., Denver, CO

“Ilene has completely changed how I am living my life. After participating in her workshop, I have a greater understanding of how my past has impacted my life and I now have the tools to move forward and feel safe within myself. Thanks so much, Ilene!”

– Charlie P., Scottsdale, AZ

Read about Ilene’s 2-day presentation and workshop published in the Prince Albert Friend!

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To inquire about a talk and/or workshop for your group or organization, click below.

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Ilene Smith with Ingrid Wolfaardt founder of the Prince Albert Community Trust speaking with a workshop participant during the lunch break.

Day 2 in Prince Albert conducting a more intimate workshop on trauma healing.

IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT

Trauma impacts you beyond your brain. It gets trapped in your body and you must learn to let it free. In my eBook, I define trauma and share the importance of bringing your body into the healing process through Somatic Experiencing (SE).