Psycho-social and Spiritual Challenges and Rejuvenation
Neglect to Nurture : A trauma informed approach to wellness for religious sisters
This two-day workshop aims to empower religious nuns working in the field of human
trafficking by addressing wellness from a trauma-informed perspective. Combining psycho-
social and spiritual frameworks, the workshop will cover essential topics such as trauma
understanding, resilience building, vicarious trauma management, brain and cognitive
reserve and gender-specific challenges. Through interactive sessions, practical strategies,
and spiritual practices, participants will learn to foster personal and community well-being,
build supportive networks, and enhance their capacity to serve those affected by human
trafficking with compassion and strength.
The sessions will be held in an interactive, reflective manner with practical strategies to
nurture psycho social and spiritual wellness. Sessions will have components of self -
assessment using valid tools, group discussions, personal coaching from the facilitators and
personal reflection. The workshop will create a safe space for the participants to explore
their trauma experiences within a psychosocial and spiritual frame and seek ways of healing
and nurture wellness.
Day 1
Session 1: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Topic: Understanding Trauma: Impact on Mental, Physical, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual
Well-being
● Content:
○ Introduction to trauma: What it is and how it impacts different aspects of
well-being.
○ Explore the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual effects of
trauma.
○ Explore the concept of resilience and the importance of building cognitive
reserve to cope with stress and adversity.
○ Case studies and group discussion on the widespread impact of trauma.
○ Overview of how trauma affects behavior, thought patterns, and
relationships.
○ Reflection exercise: How trauma has impacted their own life and ministry.
● Outcome for Session 1:
○ Participants will understand the multi-faceted impact of trauma on various
dimensions of well-being.
○ They will recognize trauma’s influence on their own health and ministry.
○ They will develop strategies to enhance their resilience and cognitive reserve.
○ Participants will gain awareness of the importance of addressing trauma in
their work.
Tea Break: 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Session 2: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Topic: Understanding Vicarious Trauma and the Long-Term Impact (ACE)
● Content:
○ Define vicarious trauma and its effect on individuals working with trauma
survivors.
○ Explore the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and its connection to
long-term trauma.
○ Discuss the symptoms and signs of vicarious trauma and burnout.
○ Self-assessment: Using the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(TFCBT) tool to assess vicarious trauma and wellness.
○ Group sharing and discussion of personal experiences.
● Outcome for Session 2:
○ Participants will gain insight into vicarious trauma, its signs, and its
connection to personal wellness.
○ They will learn how to assess their own trauma responses using a valid tool.
○ Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how ACE impacts their
long-term well-being and resilience.
Lunch: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Rest and Reflect: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
● Content:
○ Quiet time for reflection and journaling on the day's sessions.
○ Optional practice: Walking meditation or reflective prayer.
○ Personal reflection on self-assessment tools (TFCBT) and how trauma is
impacting wellness.
● Outcome for Rest & Reflect:
○ Participants will have time to process the material covered and reflect on
personal insights.
○ They will explore how trauma has influenced their mental, physical,
emotional, and spiritual health, and identify areas for self-care.
Session 3: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Topic: Self-care Strategies: From Neglect to Nurture
● Content:
○ Introduction to the concept of compassionate self-care using the ACT
(Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Grid.
○ Discuss practical self-care strategies that nurture wellness: Mindfulness,
prayer, physical care, emotional regulation.
○ Group exercise: Identifying neglectful behaviors and transforming them into
nurturing habits.
● Outcome for Session 3:
○ Participants will understand and apply the ACT Grid to enhance self-
compassion and self-care.
○ They will gain practical tools to transition from neglecting self-care to
nurturing their well-being.
○ Participants will feel rejuvenated and energized, ready to integrate self-care
into daily routines.
Day 2
Session 4: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Topic: Gender-Specific Challenges and Building Resilience
● Content:
○ Discuss gender-specific challenges faced by women, particularly those in
ministry and trauma-related work.
○ Identify competing commitments that prevent women from prioritizing self-
care and wellness.
○ Group discussion: Sharing challenges and strategies to build resilience.
● Outcome for Session 4:
○ Participants will gain an understanding of gender-specific challenges in their
work and personal life.
○ Participants will identify and address competing commitments that hinder
their self-care.
Tea Break: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Session 5: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Topic: Faith and Healing: Sacred Spaces and Spiritual Practices for Wellness
● Content:
○ Explore the intersection of faith and healing in trauma recovery.
○ Discuss the importance of sacred spaces for spiritual practices: Prayer,
meditation, and rituals.
○ Teach spiritual practices that promote mental and emotional wellness
○ Group discussion: How spiritual practices have supported their healing
journey.
● Outcome for Session 5:
○ Participants will deepen their understanding of how faith and sacred spaces
contribute to healing.
○ They will learn specific spiritual practices to enhance personal well-being and
recovery.
○ Participants will feel empowered to create and nurture sacred spaces in their
personal and professional lives.
Lunch: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Rest and Reflect: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
● Content:
○ Quiet reflection time for participants to journal and reflect on their learning
and insights from the session.
○ Guided individual reflection on the intersection of faith, trauma, and self-
care.
○ Optional: Light physical activity, such as walking meditation or yoga.
● Outcome for Rest & Reflect:
○ Participants will process the emotional and spiritual content of the morning's
session.
○ They will reflect on how spiritual practices can support their ongoing healing
and wellness.
Session 6: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Topic: Building Community and Continued Care: Strengthening Relationships and Support
Networks
● Content:
○ Discussion on the importance of building supportive relationships and
community as sources of wellness.
○ Self-assessment: Identifying attachment patterns and their impact on
relationship health.
○ Role-playing exercises: Practicing compassionate communication and conflict
resolution.
○ Sharing takeaway and creating an action plan for continued care and support
networks after the workshop.
● Outcome for Session 6:
○ Participants will understand the importance of community in maintaining
wellness.
○ They will develop skills to enhance relationships and create supportive
networks.
○ Participants will leave with a personal action plan for continued care, growth,
and community engagement.
Overall Workshop Outcomes:
● Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma, including vicarious trauma
and its long-term effects.
● They will be equipped with practical, trauma-informed strategies for self-care,
wellness, and resilience building.
● Through spiritual practices and faith integration, participants will learn to nurture
their personal well-being and foster healing.
● They will build supportive networks and strategies to sustain their wellness and
improve their work with those impacted by human trafficking.
● Participants will leave feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and equipped to continue
their important work with greater compassion and strength.
