Vicarious Trauma Healing Hikes
in collaboration with tierra morena...
This is a monthly hike co-facilitated with my spiritual teacher, Maestra, Tereza Iniguez-Flores of Tierra Morena Holistic Healing. Since the full moon is a great time to release energy into nature these workshops are offered on the Sunday nearest the full moon in San Francisco or Oakland.
Vicarious Trauma, sometimes referred to as Compassion Fatigue is a common result in our emotional responses when working with trauma-based populations. Vicarious Trauma is often defined as “the emotional residue of exposure that counselors have from working with people as they are hearing their trauma stories and become witnesses to the pain, fear, and terror that trauma survivors have endured”(American Counseling Association). As service providers of these populations and environments where there is a high risk of exposure to stress and violence, we often dismiss the effects of these occurrences on our emotional well-being and hold onto the negativity. Holding onto the negativity for long periods of time can result in detrimental effects on your mind, body, and spirit.
This workshop utilizes the experience of walking in nature to heal and protect us from the effects of vicarious trauma. Participants will be taken on a meditative hike to release the energies that cause us harm, understand the tools available for daily self-care, and experience what nature teaches us and how she is available for us to heal and strengthen so we can better serve our community. Much like restorative justice techniques or traditional healing circles, we process as a group through giving and receiving. We give pieces of us that require support, then we receive the support we need from each other.
The workshop instructors will take participants through the rituals and exercises that aim to provide the participant with opportunities to heal both physical and emotional pain with the permission of Mother Nature’s teachings. The full moon is a powerful time for release and letting go. We harness the gifts of this time to allow for an impactful session around this releasing. Please keep in mind that healing hands may be placed on participants as well as oils and fragrances may be applied. Sound healing will also be utilized. Please let instructors know of any sensitivities to be aware of when registering.
Workshops are held in a natural area and light snacks and water are provided. Participants are asked to come wearing layers as the weather can change drastically. Always come with close-toed shoes appropriate for varying terrains. Please be prepared to do light to moderate hiking trails locally in San Francisco, Berkeley, or Oakland.