Topic Nights are generally on certain Wednesdays. CHECK FOR THE DATES LISTED. Times are 5:30-7:30 unless otherwise stated. PLEASE CALL AND REGISTER FOR TOPIC NIGHTS. If we don't have at least 5 people registered by the day before, the Topic Night will be cancelled. CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 20.

Topic nights in bold are subject to change...

Jan 6 5:30 - 7:30pm Understanding (Sexual) "Trauma"
To aid in the healing process, we look at what sexual "trauma" is and how it can affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Information on what is necessary for healing to happen will be explored. Introductory information about PTSD will be provided.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Jan 13 5:30 - 7:30pm Grounding Skills
Dissociation is one of the most common coping strategies that help survivors get through trauma and its aftereffects. We'll practice various grounding skills and discuss how to implement them in life.
Natalia facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

Jan 27 5:30 - 7:30pm PTSD I ("simple PTSD")
Experiencing sexual trauma leads to a variety of emotional, physical, and mental aftereffects. When those effects don't go away on their own, it may be that you are experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Come learn more about PTSD. Many survivors are being misdiagnosed with other disorders when PTSD is the more accurate description. Learn concrete skills to help manage and heal the symptoms of PTSD. Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Feb 3 5:30 - 7:30pm PTSD II ("complex PTSD")
Experiencing sexual trauma leads to a variety of emotional, physical, and mental aftereffects. When the abuse occurs repeatedly, or at a young age, or ongoing, the aftereffects can become tied in with our sense of self and the world. Come learn about complex PTSD and how to manage and heal the symptoms. Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Feb. 17 5:30 - 7:30pm Boundaries
Sexual abuse/assault are a violation of our basic personal boundaries. Often the experience of sexual trauma creates confusion about boundaries - what are healthy boundaries? How do we create and effectively maintain them? This discussion will focus in on some of the common ways that survivors struggle with boundaries and suggest concrete tools that can be used to strengthen your healthy boundaries. Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

Feb. 24 5:30 - 7:30pm Boundaries part II
Sexual abuse/assault are a violation of our basic personal boundaries. Often the experience of sexual trauma creates confusion about boundaries - what are healthy boundaries? How do we create and effectively maintain them? This discussion will focus in on some of the common ways that survivors struggle with boundaries and suggest concrete tools that can be used to strengthen your healthy boundaries. Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

March 3 5:30 - 7:30pm The Healing Power of Animal Companions
We'll have a guest presenter from the Humane Society of Wisconsin. We'll talk about the joys and responsibilities of parenting an animal companion. Many survivors find the unconditional love of a furry friend to be wonderfully healing! We'll also talk practical realities: costs of various types of pets and how to adopt your new companion.
WI Humane Society & Brooke facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors & loved ones.

March 10 5:30 - 7:30pm Self-defeating Patterns and Self-talk I
As survivors of sexual abuse, we often internalize self-defeating statements, patterns of behavior, and ways of feeling. We'll learn about how these internalized parts of the abuse experience play out in our current life and how to use this knowledge to create positive change in the healing process. Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

March 24 5:30 - 7:30pm Self-defeating Patterns and Self-talk II
In this follow up to the July 29 topic night, we'll do concrete work on the ways that these internalized parts of the abuse experience play out in our current life. With exercises we'll create a strategy to address the self-defeating patterns and negative self-talk that keep us stuck.
Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

March 31 5:30 - 7:30pm Stewards of Children -
This training teaches adults to own the responsibility of keeping children safe from sexual abuse. It raises awareness about the frequency of this type of abuse and the after-effects that children suffer while growing up and through to adulthood. The training also educates about the safety steps for keeping children out of harm's way.
Stephanie & Mel facilitate this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors & loved ones.

April 7 5:30 - 7:30pm What About my Partner?? Allies in Healing
This topic night is for survivors and their partners/loved ones. We'll talk about the healing process, and how best to communicate during this challenging "growth period." Specific tips and things to know for allies will be provided.
Dayna facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

April 14 5:30 - 7:30pm Dissociation and Learning to Stay More Present
Dissociation is one of the most common coping strategies that help survivors get through trauma and its aftereffects. We'll discuss what dissociation is, how and why it happens, and share ideas about how to become more present if dissociation is an obstacle in your current life. Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

April 28 5:30 - 7:30pm Adolescent Perpetrators of Sexual Assault
We'll discuss the behavior of juvenile perpetrators of sexual abuse. Understanding their methods of coercion and manipulation (grooming) is an important part of sorting through the negative beliefs we, as survivors, may carry about ourselves. Learn more about why adolescents abuse, and the focus of treatment.
Maryann facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

May 5 5:30 - 7:30pm Assertiveness Skills I
Developed in response to your requests! Part I of II on developing assertiveness skills in your life. We'll learn what assertiveness is (and isn't), what each person's assertive "rights" are, and how to practice and build effective assertiveness skills.
Mel & Tricia facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

May 12 5:30 - 7:30pm Assertiveness Skills II
Part II on developing assertiveness skills in your life. We'll talk about how other people can challenge our assertive rights and boundaries, and how to stand firm in the face of anger, guilt trips, manipulation, and other strategies designed to challenge our assertive practice.
Mel & Tricia facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

May 26 5:30 - 7:30pm Bodywork/Energywork and SA Healing
Many survivors are finding Core el Centro services such as massage, Reiki, breathwork, acupuncture and movement classes to be a key part of their sexual abuse healing process. Come learn about these services and find out which ones could be most helpful for the issues you are dealing with. We'll have Jayne from Core here to answer all your questions! Jayne facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

June 2 5:30 - 7:30pm Nia and SA Healing
Many survivors are finding Core el Centro movement classes such as Nia to be a key part of their sexual abuse healing process. Come learn about Nia and enjoy a demonstration of this empowering and respectful class.
Nia teachers facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

June 16 5:30 - 7:30pm Stages of Grief/Loss in SA Healing
The healing process involves getting in touch with various feelings and processing them in new ways. Anger, Sadness, and Denial are steps along the path to being more at peace as survivors. We'll talk about each of these "stages of grief" and how they work for survivors of sexual abuse/assault, with suggestions on how to facilitate healing along the way.. Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

June 30 5:30 - 7:30pm Coping Mechanisms I (How Survivors Survive) Sexual abuse and assault are traumatic - they overwhelm our capacity. Survivors utilize a variety of coping mechanisms in order to get through these experiences. Some coping mechanisms are still helpful, while others have caused additional problems for us. We'll examine common coping mechanisms and how to strategize successfully shifting away from less helpful "old" mechanisms.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

July 7 5:30 - 7:30pm Coping Mechanisms II (Shaping Your Plan) Building on Coping Mechanisms I, this discussion focuses in on how to create any changes you wish to make in your coping strategies. Create plans for various situations or reactions. Learn from the wisdom of the group and create a plan that enhances your likelihood of success in implementing newer coping skills that don't bring problems.. Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

July 28 5:30 - 7:30pm Planning for Disclosures & Confrontations
Most survivors contemplate telling someone about the abuse, either to expand their support circle or to set boundaries. During this presentation we talk about the important questions to ask yourself before taking the big step to disclose the abuse to someone or confront your abuser. How you plan for these steps can make a big difference in the process.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors and their loved ones.

Aug 4 5:30 - 7:30pm Creating Healthy Relationships
Sexual trauma survivors sometimes struggle with creating and maintaining healthy relationships (friendships & romantic relationships). We'll discuss characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and how to use heart, intuition, and mind to establish and maintain positive connections .
Mel & Jennifer facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Aug 18 5:30 - 7:30pm Boundaries & Exiting Unhealthy Relationships
We'll review characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and utilize specific scenarios to discuss the setting of boundaries, evaluation of the relationship, and potential exit strategies and resources.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

Aug 25 5:30 - 7:30pm Christianity and Healing
Healing often happens in the dimensions of mind, body, and spirit. A sense of spirituality and/or religious practice can be a part of healing. Sometimes, however, the messages that we've gotten from our religious leaders can seem "at odds" with our healing process. Come explore the issue relevant to you in this open, nonjudgmental discussion. CJ facilitates this discussion. Open to survivors and their loved ones.

Sept. 1 5:30 - 7:30pm Forgiveness
Survivors are often pressured by others (or themselves!) to forgive their abusers and those who didn't protect them. However, forgiveness or "letting go" are processes that can't be forced, and usually come at the end of the Stages of Grief/Loss. We'll explore these processes in depth.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Sept. 15 5:30 - 7:30pm Neurobiology of Trauma
Come learn about the scientific breakthroughs that have helped us to understand how sexual trauma affects our brains and the ways that survivors are finding to heal and manage those effects. Awareness of these issues can help us direct our healing process to the source.
Mel facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Sept. 29 5:30 - 7:30pm Spirituality and Healing
Healing often happens in the dimensions of mind, body, and spirit. A sense of spirituality can be a part of healing, and may or may not be part of a religious tradition. Come discuss the role that spirituality and transformational ritual can play in healing, in this open, nonjudgmental discussion.
Gues Lisa Roehl & Jennifer facilitate this discussion. Open to survivors and their loved ones.

Oct 6 5:30 - 7:30pm Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain - Connections to Trauma
What does research tell us about these medical conditions? Are they connected to experiences of trauma? What are the recommended paths of treatment, care, and healing?
?? facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Oct. 20 5:30 - 7:30pm Healthy & Effective Communication
Communication is a key skill for boundaries, assertiveness, and getting our needs met! We'll talk about nonverbal and verbal communication, how certain behaviors are perceived, and how to convey the message you want to send. We'll also talk about key guidelines for healthy & effective communication.
Mel & Jennifer facilitate this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Oct 27 5:30 - 7:30pm Communication Under Fire: Handling Conflict Building on Healthy & Effective Communication, this discussion focuses in on how to create any changes you wish to make in your coping strategies. Create plans for various situations or reactions. Learn from the wisdom of the group and create a plan that enhances your likelihood of success in implementing newer coping skills that don't bring problems with them. Guest Maggi Cage facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.

Nov. 10 5:30 - 7:30pm Adult Perpetrators of Sexual Assault
We'll discuss the behavior of adult perpetrators of sexual abuse. Understanding their methods of coercion and manipulation (grooming) is an important part of sorting through the negative beliefs we, as survivors, may carry about ourselves. Learn about the different "categories" of abusers.
Maryann facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Nov. 17 5:30 - 7:30pm Dealing with Anxiety & Fears
By your request! We'll examine the causes and symptoms of anxiety, fears, and phobias. We'll also explore helpful techniques and strategies to begin to face, manage, and reduce their power in our lives.
Tricia facilitates this presentation/discussion for survivors, loved ones, and community providers from the general public to learn more.

Dec. 1 5:30 - 7:30pm Grounding Skills
Dissociation is one of the most common coping strategies that help survivors get through trauma and its aftereffects. We'll practice various grounding skills and discuss how to implement them in life.
Natalia facilitates this presentation/discussion. Open to survivors only.