Whether the trauma is the result of abuse, loss, violence, sexual abuse, or any other significant negative event, all children will respond best when using forms of communication they understand. Play and art.

In this advanced workshop, we will look at how children interpret the world around them and communicate their feelings through art and drawing.

We will examine basic symbols and their meaning, drawing placement, the importance of figures and features, and symbolic recognition of signals of tension, abuse or depression.

We will build on the use of art in therapeutic interaction: how to use art to work with children in order to assist them to heal.

Space is limited so register early.

Cost: only $95.00 which includes all materials and break refreshments.
Lunch is on your own.

For further information or to register: 519-372-2425.

This is a real Beginners’ art class for Grown-ups.

It’s time to find your “Inner Stick Person”

Are you haunted by that moment when you were told that you couldn’t draw?
Are you a closet artist?
Do you wish you didn’t have to joke, “oh, I only draw flies!”?

You will actually learn how to draw things, like a tree… a doggie… a kitty… an apple!

Register NOW for this fun day of delight
Sunday December 6th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm $125.00
This includes all matials and a yummy Ginger Press Lunch.

Ginger Press 848 Second Avenue East, Owen Sound 519-376-4233

Bonita Johnson deMatteis of Nemesis Group Services will encourage you to be fearless in the act of drawing out your inner stick person!

This workshop is designed to allow the participant to reflect on the remarkable impact grief and loss has had on their lives. With the experiential benefit of horses and the guidance of Melanie Gray of Melody acres, (www.melodyacres.com) it is hoped that the participant will understand where they have been and where they hope to go in managing this journey of loss. No riding experience is needed. Work is done on the floor of the arena. Please wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing.

November 7th, 2008 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Melody Acres, highway #6, south of Rockford.
Cost: $75 a person. Snacks and coffee/tea are provided. Lunch is on your own. Dragonfly and Kettles restaurants are near by.

This is an essential two-day workshop for all professionals. Day One focuses on the linkages between personal traits, prior experience, personal history of abuse, as well as the impact of the culture and practices of the organization. We examine organizational structure and the physical and emotional influences upon internal trauma.

Day Two focuses on core issues of Client Attachment, Loss and Professional Grief. We will focus on the archetype of the wounded healer and why that symbol is so accurate and effective in healing and preventing vicarious trauma.

November 20 & 21, 2008, 9:30 – 3:00
Location: The Falls Inn, Walter’s Falls
Cost: $195.00 this workshop includes all materials, lunch, refreshments and resource material for both days.

We will examine sources of childhood anxiety and the roots of why this anxiety develops. The many ways in which anxiety can be manifested in kids will be discussed as well as the spectrum of normal anxiety to anxiety disorders. With children being bombarded with images and issues of a troubled and violent adult world, we will also examine the impacts and prevalence of global anxiety.

We will examine a variety of tools for helping kids to manage their anxiety, including methods to help kids express their feelings, reduce their stress, manage complicated and overwhelming feelings and promote self-care.

“Absolutely amazing infomation.  Very knowledgeable presenters; wonderful strategies. Very inviting!”  Lisa Campbell, Community Living, Walkerton & District

“Helpful. I will use the stress and anxiety surveys.  Small group is nice for personal experience.” Jen Riesberry. Grey County CAS

“Very informative.  I liked how everyone was involved.”  Christine Somers, Amabel Sauble Daycare

“Great workshop – lots of information that can be applied to my work daily! Excellent.”
Tracy Barfoot, Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services

“Loved it, loved it.”
Christel Ernst, Port Elgin Family YMCA

“Very informative, I love the idea of play to help kids express their feelings and in turn help me to help them.”
Marie Gross, Women and Children Shelter, Barrie

May 22, 2009, 9:30 – 3:00
Location: Nemesis Group Services, Owen Sound.
Cost: $75.00, Includes all materials and break refreshments; lunch is on your own.

Creative Facilitation uses elements of play, theatre, humour, art and other expressive artistic methods to help construct structures, agendas, content, plans and themes which are then used to conduct administrative functions in a whole new way.

January 16, 2009, 9:30 – 3:00
Location: The Falls Inn, Walter’s Falls
Cost: $95.00 this workshop includes all materials, lunch, refreshments and resource material

This workshop will discuss symptoms and reactions of children from birth to teens that have experienced all forms of sexual violation, including internet exploitation.

“Very interesting.  Good.”  Reta Sandy, D’binooshnowin Crisis Centre

“Informative, interesting.  Validating.”  Sheila Robson, D’binooshnowin Crisis Centre

“Great info presented; good discussion.  Nicely paced, great.”  Stacey Rayner, Bluewater District School Board.

January 23, 2009, 9:30 – 3:00
Location: Nemesis Group Services, Owen Sound.
Cost: $75.00, Includes all materials and break refreshments; lunch is on your own.

This important workshop helps put sexual abuse, both past and present, into perspective and may help by making sense of where abuse ends and where healing can begin. Because of the sensitive nature of this topic, participants will be asked to respect confidentiality boundaries.

Please register early as this workshop has limited spaces to ensure comfortable group dynamics

February 27, 2009 9:30 am – 3:00pm
Location: Nemesis Group Services, 871 3rd ave west, Owen Sound.
Cost $75, includes all materials and break refreshments; lunch is on your own.

One of the more overlooked sources of trauma in children comes from medical intervention, surgical procedures, injury, accidents and falls. Find out why and how such ‘commonplace’ occurrences in childhood can have such profound and lasting impacts on the emotional well being of children.

We will examine the experience and embodiment of trauma, emotional, somatic and behavioral reactions, and how to build resilience and healing.

“Lots of great info to take back and reuse. Great hands on.”
Terri Meyer, Community Living, Walkerton

“Lots of great info, very helpful, thought provoking.”
Clare Matthews, Thames Valley Children’s Services

“Positive, worthwhile, lots of knowledge gained.”
Carole Dales, Community Living, Walkerton

“Lots of useful ideas to go back and use. Lots of interaction. Great!! As always.”
Flo Pringle, Keystone Child, youth and Family Services

June 19, 2009, 9:30 – 3:00
Location: Nemesis Group Services, 871 3rd ave. wesr, Owen Sound.
Cost: $75.00, Includes all materials and break refreshments; lunch is on your own.

As the spin on ‘green’ becomes more mainstream and our children get more anxious let us examine the history of misuse of this planet, the misuse of woman and how the two relate and why it is up to us to change it.

This workshop is designed to spark “aha” moments and to impart comforting action plans. We will be using the book, “Urgent message from mother, gather the women, save the planet” by Jean Shinoda Bolen

March 27, 2009 9:30 am – 3:00pm  (This workshop is currently full)
Location: Nemesis Group Services, 871 3rd ave west, Owen Sound.
Cost $75, Includes all materials and break refreshments; lunch is on your own.