Next Step Counseling: Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Information about upcoming workshops, professional trainings and public lectures by the staff of The Next Step will be posted here. The following are among the events that will occur in 2008 and beyond:

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NOW AVAILABLE!

Victims No Longer - Second Edition
The revised, updated, and expanded second edition of Victims No Longer is now available. The new edition includes updated information, a new chapter on Clergy Abuse, new sections on isolation, workshops, and other topics, additional survivor statements and focuses, and a completely revised resource section. Click on the Books button to the left for more information.

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Note: This interview can be heard by visiting the archive for this date. The archives contain a number of interesting interviews.

Online

Broadcast of Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence, an Internet radio talk show dedicated to providing a safe forum where people can share ideas about recognizing, preventing, and reacting responsibly to child sexual abuse.
To listen:http://www.ethicalife.com/showlist.asp

Host - Kathleen Brooks, Ph.D. ( http://www.ethicalife.com )
Guest - Mike Lew
Topic - VICTIMS NO LONGER: MEN HEALING FROM SEXUAL CHILD ABUSE

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2008 EVENTS

March and April in Australia and New Zealand

Plans are well underway for the 2008 visit to Australia and New Zealand. In addition to Melbourne, we have now confirmed various workshops and professional training days in Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, and Christchurch. Not all the details are final. What we have at this writing will be listed below, and we will post the rest as each is made final. If you are interested in an event in your area, helping the organisers, or attending one of the events in Victoria, contact the central coordinator, Maxwell Clarke at Maxwell.Clarke@southernhealth.org.au

Events currently scheduled for the Melbourne area are:

March 28, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Melbourne

Professional Development Training on Working with Male Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse held at Queen Victoria Women's Centre in central Melbourne

This training day will be co-led by Thom Harrigan, L.I.C.S.W. and Mike Lew, M.Ed. Thom is the Clinical Director of The Next Step, and is on the faculty of Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work. He has had extensive experience working with clergy abuse survivors and was a member of the Victims Rights Committee, a group of professionals formed for process and procedural review of clergy sexual abuse cases in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

Sponsored by South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA)

For more information or registration contact Max Clarke at Maxwell.Clarke@southernhealth.org.au

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April 4-6

Maldon, Victoria

Victims No Longer: A Residential Recovery Weekend for Non-offending Adult Male Survivors

The 2007 male survivor weekend was the first we held in Australia, and the second in the Southern Hemisphere (the first was held near Christchurch in 2005). It was a resounding success, and the participants immediately began advocating for a repeat event. Here is a brief description of the weekend. For further details and registration, contact Maxwell Clarke at Maxwell.Clarke@southernhealth.org.au

Recent years have seen great positive change for people in recovery from childhood trauma- and for male survivors in particular. No longer struggling in isolation, survivors and professionals continue to develop effective resources and support systems that move the recovery process forward.

This weekend workshop is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse, rape, physical violence, emotional abuse, abandonment and/or neglect. Our goal is to offer a safe, encouraging, powerful environment of shared healing.

The weekend will provide opportunities to engage in a variety of healing activities, including sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work and other emotional expression, small group discussion, shared creativity, relaxation and, yes, even fun.

This event is for men who are actively engaged in recovery work; it is not a substitute for therapy. A letter of recommendation from a therapist/counsellor must accompany the registration form/deposit. Space is limited, so try to register early to ensure your place. The workshop begins Friday evening, 4 April and ends with lunch on Sunday, 6 April. It will be held at Derby Hill Blue Light Youth Camp in Maldon, Victoria.

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April 9

Sydney

Professional Development Day "Working with Male Survivors of Sexual Child Abuse" - presented by Mike Lew, sponsored by Australia New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ANZATA).

A day of professional development for people working with men who were sexually abused in childhood. The day includes an overview of challenges men face in surviving and recovering from the effects of sexual child abuse.

Venue: NSW Commission for Children and Young People, Level 2, 407 Elizabeth Street, Surrey Hills (one block from the Central Railway Station Tunnel).

Who should attend: Counsellors, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, sexual assault counsellors, general practitioners, psychiatrists, men's health workers, body workers, teachers, clergy, law enforcement professionals, rape crisis counsellors, academics, and students.

For further information and registration contact Dale Tolliday at Dale_Tolliday@wsahs.nsw.gov.au

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April 10

Sydney

Professional Development Day "Advanced Practice in Working with Male Survivors of Sexual Child Abuse" - Presented by Mike Lew, sponsored by Australia New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ANZATA).

The second day of professional development is suitable for people who attended Day 1 or who have previous training and experience working with male survivors of sexual child abuse. Participants are invited to bring their practice experiences and to explore practice at a more advanced level.

Venue: NSW Commission for Children and Young People, Level 2, 407 Elizabeth Street, Surrey Hills (one block from the Central Railway Station Tunnel).

For further information and registration contact Dale Tolliday at Dale_Tolliday@wsahs.nsw.gov.au

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April 11-13

Baulkham Hills, New South Wales

Victims No Longer: A Residential Recovery Weekend for Non-offending Adult Male Survivors - See the event description for the April 4-6 Victoria weekend above. Facilitated by Mike Lew, sponsored by Australia New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse (ANZATA).

Location: St. Joseph Centre for Reflective Living at Baulkham Hills, which is easily reached by car or bus. It is located near to the M2/M7 motorways.

For further information and registration contact Dale Tolliday at Dale_Tolliday@wsahs.nsw.gov.au

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April 15 and 16

Brisbane

Practice Skills for Working with Male Survivors of Sexual Child Abuse - Presented by Mike Lew
Plus FREE: VICTIMS NO LONGER ~ Evening event for male survivors of Sexual Child Abuse - sponsored by Spiritus Kinections: Family Relationships & Community Services.

Workshop Details: CHOICE OF EITHER OF TWO DAYS, Brisbane

Date/s: Tuesday 15 April 2008 9:00am - 4:00pm or Wednesday 16 April 2008 9:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Brisbane City ~ venue to be confirmed

Cost: $199 per person (includes GST and lunch and tea)

Content Covered: This professional development will present and review knowledge and skills found to be useful when working with male survivors of boyhood sexual abuse. Themes include:

- sexual abuse, men, masculinity, feelings
- confronting and dealing with the after-effects
- managing recovery and relationships with self and others
- trust, initimacy, sex and sexuality
- clergy and institutional abuse
- confrontation, forgiveness, and moving on
- professional responsibility and self-care.

In order to maximise engagement with Mike and the workshop material, numbers will be limited and a comprehensive handout will be provided. Mike will use practice examples to work through the specific clinical skills and knowledge relevant to those working with male survivors of child sexual abuse, both individually and in groups. Workshop participants will be encouraged to ask questions and raise practice dilemmas and difficulties.

Who should Attend?: Psychologists, social workers, counsellors, psychiatrists, family therapists, relationship counsellors, workers in men’s health, the armed forces and justice, clergy, crisis phone counsellors, students and academics.

Plus FREE: VICTIMS NO LONGER ~ evening event for non-offending male survivors of sexual abuse/assault.

For further information and registration contact Gary Foster at GFoster@spiritus.org.au

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April 15

Brisbane - Location TBA

Evening Gathering for Non-offending Male Survivors - led by Mike Lew. For further information and registration contact Gary Foster at GFoster@spiritus.org.au

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April 18

Darwin - Location TBA

Professional Development Training Day on Working with Male Survivors - led by Mike Lew. For further information and registration contact Naomi Brennan at Naomi.Brennan@nt.gov.au or Gregory Goodluck at ggoodluck@anglicare-nt.org.au

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April 19-20

Darwin - Location and details TBA

Victims No Longer: A 2 Day Recovery Workshop for Non-offending Adult Male Survivors - led by Mike Lew. For further information and registration contact Naomi Brennan at Naomi.Brennan@nt.gov.au or Gregory Goodluck at ggoodluck@anglicare-nt.org.au

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April 25-27

Christchurch, New Zealand

Victims No Longer: A Residential Recovery Weekend for Non-offending Adult Male Survivors Led by Mike Lew, and sponsored by Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust (MSSAT).

Location: Blue Skies Conference & Training Centre, Kaiapoi, Christchurch

The 2005 male survivor weekend in the Christchurch area was the first we held in the Southern Hemisphere. It was a resounding success, and the participants immediately began advocating for a repeat event. Here is a brief description of the weekend.

This event is for men who are actively engaged in recovery work; it is not a substitute for therapy. A letter of recommendation from a therapist/counsellor must accompany the registration form/deposit. Space is limited, so try to register early to ensure your place. The workshop begins Friday evening, 25 April and ends with lunch on Sunday, 27 April.The cost is $180 (GST inclusive) and includes the workshop, printed handouts, food, and accommodation (single rooms).

For further details and registration, contact Ken Clearwater or John Prince at (03) 377 6747 or mssat@survivor.org.nz

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Summer 2008 in Uri, Switzerland

The primary language of both workshops will be English. We will have small group work available in other languages, depending on the composition of the group. Help will be provided for understanding and expressing English.

Recent years have brought great positive change for people in recovery from sexual trauma and for male survivors in particular. No longer struggling in isolation, survivors, professionals, and other allies continue to develop effective resources and support systems that move the recovery process forward.

August 4-7

Healing the Healers Retreat - for people working with survivors of sexual abuse - led by Mike Lew.

The Healing the Healers Retreat (HTH) is for men and women working with survivors of sexual abuse. This will be an opportunity to share the difficulties and joys of this work with others who do similar work - as professionals or in the voluntary sector. We will focus on stress, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, self-care, relaxation, play, and fun. The focus of one day will be on activism. Bring your creativity and sense of humor!

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August 8-10

Victims No Longer Workshop (VNL) - a weekend recovery workshop for non-offending male survivors of sexual child abuse, rape, physical and emotional violence, including neglect - led by Mike Lew.

Our goal is to offer a safe, encouraging, and powerful environment of shared healing. Participants will have various opportunities to participate in healing activities, including sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work and other emotional expression, small group discussion, shared creativity, relaxation, and, yes, even fun.

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COST:

HTH - Before May 31, 2008 = € 630; After June 1, 2008 = € 680

VNL - Before May 31, 2008 = € 360; After June 1, 2008 = € 390

Both - Before May 31, 2008 = € 920; After June 1, 2008 = €980

The fee includes participation in the workshop(s), written materials, accommodation in a single bed or two bed room (please specifiy at registration), and all meals.

For registration please contact info@bsgp.ch and we will send you a registration form and additional information.

The workshop will take place at an altitude of 1000m (about 3200 feet). The weather in the Alps can be extremely changeable at any time of the year. Bring warm clothing with you, including rain gear, and a hat. Also bring sunglasses and sunscreen (F15-20).

Known as a splendid outdoor activity paradise surrounded by mighy Alpine peaks, glaciers, and glittering lakes, the workshop venue is situated on the legendary north-south St. Gothard Route. The region is the bithplace of Swiss hero William Tell.

For more information on Switzerland, consult Lonely Planet's Switzerland (2006) or go to: http://www.myswitzerland.com

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August 15-17, 2008

Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA

LEAPING UPON THE MOUNTAINS: A MEN'S RECOVERY WEEKEND

Led by Mike Lew & Thom Harrigan

The past years have seen great positive change for people in recovery from childhood trauma, and for males in particular. No longer forced to suffer alone, survivors and professionals continue to develop resources and support systems that move the recovery process forward.

This 18th annual weekend workshop is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse and other boyhood trauma. Our goal is to offer a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment of shared healing. The Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center is on a beautiful, wooded ridge top in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania.

The weekend will provide a variety of healing activities: sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work, other emotional expression, group discussion, shared creativity, relaxation and even fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

As in previous years, if there are sufficient numbers and interest, the workshop will include a special track for survivors of abuse by clergy.

This event for men actively engaged in recovery work is not a substitute for therapy. A letter of recommendation from a therapist/counselor must accompany one's registration. The deadline is August 1st, Space is limited, so try to register early to secure your place.

Considerable attention has been paid to creating a safe, nurturing environment respectful of participants' needs.The weekend focuses on the reality of recovery as revealed by male survivors.

Led by Mike Lew, M.Ed. and Thom Harrigan, L.I.C.S.W., of The Next Step Counseling in Brookline, MA. Mike is the author of Victims No Longer:The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse, and Leaping Upon the Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory Over Sexual Child Abuse. Thom leads groups for male survivors and works extensively with survivors of clergy abuse.

7 PM Friday dinner through Sunday lunch $380.00 includes room, meals, and workshop. (Note: These are the 2007 details, and are subject to change.)

Copy the form section below, paste into a new document, print and mail it to:
Kirkridge Conference and Retreat Center
2495 Fox Gap Road
Bangor, PA 18013
Tel. (610) 588-1793

Registration deposits ($205.00) are non-refundable for cancellations within 14 days of the event. Prior to 14 days before the event deposits are refundable except for a $30 administrative fee. If possible, please register at least one month prior and use one form per person/event.

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"Leaping Upon the Mountains"
August 17-19, 2007
Please Print:

Name:_____________________________

Telephone:__________________(H)____________________(W)

Address:_____________________________City:__________________________

State__________________ Zip_________________

E-Mail address:_______________________________________

Roommate request (all rooms double occupancy):____________________________

Amt. of Deposit Enclosed: $_____________(Balance Due on Arrival)

For Canadian Checks indicate "U.S. Funds" next to the dollar and word amounts.

You may pay by credit card (full amount must be paid when registering by credit card)

___ Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Discovercard

Number_______________________________________

Expiration Date:________ Signature:____________________________________

For Scholarship Fund:____________________(All gifts are tax deductible)

Please note if you have a disability for use in making rooming assignments

_________________

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Norway

Plans are in development for a 2 or 3 day conference on male victimization to be held in the Olso area. Anyone interested in attending can watch this space for updates. If you are interested in supporting or helping to organize this event, contact Torbjørn Herlof Andersen at torbear3@yahoo.no