Abuse Recovery Retreats
We are so happy to announce that Broken Chains International has adopted Racheal’s Rest’s restorative programs!!!
Dr. Karen McDonald has been working closely with Kevin and Broken Chains International for several years and we are a GREAT FIT!
WHAT TO EXPECT
In these workshops/retreats, you will receive tools for change. Through classroom instruction, sharing time, and interactive and experiential activities, you will learn how to change your thought patterns, manage emotions, and change behaviors. There are two Board Certified Christian Counselors facilitating the classes.
Our retreat addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of survivors of sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. Through individual and group counseling and recreational therapy, participants regain a sense of balance in their lives and find inner healing. Racheal’s Rest is engaged in programs that benefit a broad base of the community. While we welcome “all walks of life”, Racheal’s Rest is based on biblical principles.
Connection with other survivors of sexual abuse is a vital component of healing. Racheal’s Rest retreats provide survivors with a safe, supportive environment in which to start or continue their journey to emotional health.
PLAY
- One of the greatest needs some survivors have is the need to learn to play, to relax and to take time to care for themselves. Therefore, a huge component of our program is recreational therapy. While it may look like a vacation to some, it is actually work for a lot of participants. Some were never allowed to play, others feel guilty if they are not doing something productive, and still others are so overwhelmed with responsibility and obligations that they don’t or can’t take time for themselves.
CONFIDENCE BUILDING
- When people grow up without love and safety, they learn the world is not a safe place. In an effort to counteract the danger around them, they become overly cautious of getting hurt. This limits their willingness to try new things and to find their own voice. Many adults have never learned to ride a bike or swim. One of our tried and true methods from past retreats for adults is to walk over an unused but safe and sturdy railroad trestle over the Toccoa River in North Georgia. It restores a sense of balance to their whole person as they conquer fear and have a sense of accomplishment.
RELAXATION
- The role of water at Racheal’s Rest is a MUST! Water is meant to be soothing, but for many survivors it is frightening instead. Many never felt safe, even in the womb, our first water experience. Currently, retreats are held near the Sandy Bottom Canoe Launch area in Blue Ridge, Georgia, because it is very shallow and accessible at the river’s edge. Those who are terrified of water can sit on lawn chairs at the edge and not feel threatened by the rushing water. Others who are more adventuresome can tube down the river or climb on the rocks. Survivors learn from, and are encouraged by, other survivors.
BODY IMAGE
- Many survivors have a distorted view of themselves. Being “clumsy” or “accident prone” describes many survivors who are not in touch with their physical bodies. With children, we use group games and individual activities that help them connect with themselves.
NEW TO BCI?
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT WILL HELP YOU ON YOUR FIRST VISIT
- If you are a new client, please complete our new client personal questionnaire and counseling policy forms and send them back to us or print and bring them with you to your first appointment.
- If you would like BCI to coordinate your counseling with any other professionals (such as a psychiatrist, other medical professional or pastor) please request a release of information form for each professional.
