Free Trauma Recovery Program: Therapeutic Empowerment Self-Defense (TESD™) for
Teen & Adults
An integrated approach to trauma recovery and risk reduction
“The experience was “life-changing,” because it opened me up to be able to actually heal.”
–TESD™ program participant
TESD™ – for adults
This free program, Therapeutic Empowerment Self-Defense (TESD™), is designed specifically for adult trauma survivors and uses an integrated mind-body approach towards trauma recovery and risk reduction. TESD™ is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.
For women 18 years of age or older who have experienced interpersonal violence (physical, emotional, sexual or other violence) at any point in their history, TESD™ program offers 1 to 3 individual sessions, and 3 small group sessions. A mental health provider will be at every session, and there will be one or two additional instructors.
Our next series will be held on
- October 30, November 6, 13, 2 pm – 4:30 pm
- January 8, 15, 22, 4 pm – 6:30 pm
- March 12, 19, 26, 1 pm – 3:30 pm
- TO SIGN UP EMAIL: DALE@THESAFETYTEAM.ORG
The individual and group sessions will include:
Psychoeducation about Trauma
- Grounding and Stabilization Techniques
- Information on:
- Neurobiological Responses to Threat
- Redirecting Blame towards the Perpetrator
- Sexual Assault Information
- Understanding and Responding to Trauma Activation
- Developing a Sense of Safety
Advanced Healing through TESD™
- Somatic Reprocessing: An Integrated Mind-Body Approach to Healing
- Affirmative Consent
- Empowerment Mindset
- Verbal and Physical Boundary Setting
- Empowerment Techniques that promote healing
- Risk Reduction Strategies
No prior experience is necessary. All of this content is delivered in a way that is attuned to each person’s emotional and physical needs while offering opportunities for healing and reparative experiences.
* This program is not suitable for those who are currently experiencing domestic violence or other interpersonal violence. Additional participation criteria are utilized to determine eligibility and acceptance is at the discretion of The Safety Team.
YOUNG ADULT & TEEN TESD™
We are delighted to announce the first offering of our Young Adult & Teen Therapeutic Empowerment Self-Defense Program. The Young Adult & Teen program is specifically designed to support young trauma survivors in regaining a sense of confidence, safety, and empowerment. Based on the adult program designed by psychologist Dr. Christine Diblasio, a founding member of the Safety Team, the program uses an integrated mind-body approach to facilitate recovery and risk reduction. Our adult program is empirically validated, and past participants have reported accelerated healing and an increase in feelings of safety. We believe TESD™ will provide a transformative experience for teenagers and support their ongoing development into healthy, empowered adults.
FREE for survivors, TESD™ is supported, in part, by a grant from the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services. Additional information can be found here.
Next series TBD: Email dale@thesafetyteam.org to get on the waiting list.
Enrollment is limited
The TESD™ program is designed for young women 18-25 years of age who have experienced interpersonal violence (e.g., physical or sexual assault, or other violence). Every small group session is co-taught by a TESD™certified mental health provider and two or three additional TESD™ instructors.
TESD™Moving Forward
- October 9, 5 pm – 6:30 pm Click Here to sign up
- December 4, TBD
- February 12, TBD
Have you participated in a TESD™ series? Are you interested in refreshing your skills and promoting further healing?
Previous TESD™ participants are invited to attend a 90-minute booster session. Enrollment is free, courtesy of a grant from the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services. This session will be limited to 12 participants. Past TESD participants may attend any and all refresher sessions; there is no limit to how many sessions you may attend, space permitting.
Looking for a virtual option?
Please fill out our Interest Form for our upcoming
ONLINE
Trauma Information & Empowerment Circle Group
Benefits to Survivors
It is important to note that The Safety Team’s approach is unique from other treatment services. We understand the pivotal role that somatic reprocessing (the body) plays in the healing process, particularly in regard to the trauma caused by interpersonal violence. Extensive research in the field of trauma recovery affirms not only the mind-body connection, but the importance of integrating movement as part of treatment (Drs. van der Kolk, Levine, and others).
From our own work with survivors, The Safety Team has seen this in action; women gain a sense of confidence and control, learn that their bodies have power, and rediscover a feeling of personal safety and freedom. At all levels of our programming, we incorporate physical movement, as one’s sense of agency, one’s empowerment, is also a bodily experience. Our programs reaffirm to women that they have the right to take up space, are deserving of respect, and have more emotional and physical power than they realize.
We’re proud of our first cohort of trained TESD therapists.
Meet Our Trauma Recovery Program Instructors
Christine DiBlasio
Christina Allard
Nancy Keller
Dale Henry
Geneviève Henry
L. Caroline Sprigg
Testimonials
— Participant, Therapeutic Empowerment Self-Defense Program
The Safety Team in “The Other Paper”
Carole Vasta Folley shares her experience having taken the Empowerment Self-Defense course in "The Other Paper." Read her story.
Empowered Healing: An Integrated Approach to Trauma Recovery and Violence Prevention
TRAUMA RECOVERY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION Our Innovative Trauma Recovery Program is Featured on a podcast: Couples Therapy in Seven Words! By Christine DiBlasio, Ph.D. I remember the first time that I had to give a professional public presentation, many years ago. ...
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