Next Step Counseling: Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Information about upcoming workshops, professional trainings and public lectures by the staff of The Next Step will be posted here and updated as they develop.

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC WE HAD TO POSTPONE THE 2020 WORKSHOPS AT KIRKRIDGE. THEY HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED. THE MALE SURVIVOR WEEKEND AT KIRKRIDGE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 6-8, 2021. THE COUPLES WEEKEND WILL BE OCTOBER 15-17, 2021. WE REGRET HAVING HAD TO CANCEL THESE 2020 EVENTS, BUT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS DICTATED THIS DECISION. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NOTE: IT WILL BE A REQUIREMENT THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE BEEN FULLY VACCINATED FOR COVID-19.

THE JUNE 2020 WORKSHOP IN NORWAY HAS BEENCANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED (Date to be determined), AND THE JUNE 2020 MILWAUKEE WORKSHOP HAS ALSO BEEN RESCHEDULED (Date to be determined). WE WILL BE MONITORING THE SITUATION ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. PLEASE CHECK WITH THIS WEBSITE FOR UPDATES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE - AND STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY.

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The Next Step Counseling has moved to Western Massachusetts. Our new office is in Northampton, MA. Here is the contact information:

The Next Step Counseling & Training, P.O. Box 60447, Florence, MA 01062, USA

Phone: (413) 584-0727

We are currently accepting new referrals in Northampton.

We are offering a recovery group for male survivors. The tenth group cycle is underway, and we are accepting applications for future groups. Anyone interested can contact Mike or 413-584-0727.

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NOW AVAILABLE!!

Victims No Longer - Second Edition
The revised, updated, and expanded second edition of Victims No Longer includes updated information, a new chapter on Clergy Abuse, new sections on isolation, workshops, and other topics, additional survivor statements and focuses, and a completely revised resource section. Click on the Books button to the left for more information.

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Victims No Longer is now available in an electronic (e-book) format, through Amazon Kindle, Apple e-books, B&N Nook, and KoBo as well as in the print version.

Leaping upon the Mountains is also available in electronic format.

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Victims No Longer - Chinese Language Edition has been released by PsyGarden Publishing Company in Taiwan.

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A brief section of an interview with Mike on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUuVKLZb1IQ

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Mike was the guest on the Monday, March 9th edition of "Stop Child Abuse Now" (SCAN) Blog Talk Radio Show .You can find the show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bill-murray

The program is sponsored by the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse:http://naasca.org/index.html

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June 6-7, 2020 (POSTPONED - Date to be determined)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Our 3rd annual 2-dayworkshop in Milwaukee is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse and other sexual trauma. Our goal is to offer a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment of shared healing. This is a non-residential weekend event sponsored by Aurora Healing Center on Bruce and Sinai Medical Center. It is offered free to participants, but registration is required. For more information and registration contact Maryann

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September 11-13, 2020 (POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

Jevnaker, Norway

VICTIMS NO LONGER: A MEN'S RECOVERY WEEKEND

This, our 10th annual weekend workshop in Norway, is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse and other sexual trauma. Our goal is to offer a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment of shared healing. We will be returning to the beautiful Thorbjørnrud Hotel in the Norwegian countryside.

The weekend will provide a variety of healing activities: sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work, other emotional expression, group discussion, shared creativity, relaxation and even fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

Considerable attention has been paid to creating a safe, nurturing environment respectful of participants' needs.The weekend focuses on the reality of recovery as revealed by male survivors internationally.

For further information and registration contact Lennart or Endre

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November 7-8, 2020 (POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

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AUGUST 6-8, 2021

Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA

LEAPING UPON THE MOUNTAINS: A MEN'S RECOVERY WEEKEND

Led by Mike Lew & Thom Harrigan

The past years have seen great positive change for people in recovery from childhood trauma, and for males in particular. No longer forced to suffer alone, survivors and professionals continue to develop resources and support systems that move the recovery process forward.

This, our 30th annual weekend workshop at Kirkridge, is for non-offending adult male survivors of sexual child abuse and other sexual trauma. Our goal is to offer a recovery experience in a safe, powerful environment of shared healing. The Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center is on a beautiful, wooded ridge top in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania.

As in previous years, if there are sufficient numbers and interest, the workshop will include a special track for survivors of abuse by clergy.

This event for men actively engaged in recovery work is not a substitute for therapy. A letter of recommendation from a therapist/counselor must accompany one's registration. The registration deadline is July 17th. Space is limited, so please try to register early to secure your place. (Previous weekends have had full registration and a waiting list.)

Considerable attention has been paid to creating a safe, nurturing environment respectful of participants' needs.The weekend focuses on the reality of recovery as revealed by male survivors.

Led by Mike Lew, M.Ed. and Thom Harrigan, L.I.C.S.W., of The Next Step Counseling in Easthampton, MA. Mike is the author of Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuse, and Leaping Upon the Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory Over Sexual Child Abuse. Thom leads groups for male survivors and works extensively with survivors of clergy abuse.

7 PM Friday dinner through Sunday lunch $425.00 includes room, meals, and workshop.

You can register online at Kirkridge registration REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 23, 2021.

Or copy the form section below, paste into a new document, print and mail it to:
Kirkridge Conference and Retreat Center
2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013
Tel. (610) 588-1793

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"LEAPING UPON THE MOUNTAINS"
AUGUST 6-8, 2021

Please Print:

Name:_____________________________

Telephone:__________________(H)____________________(W)

Address:_____________________________City:__________________________

State__________________ Zip_________________

E-Mail address:_______________________________________

Roommate request (all rooms double occupancy):____________________________

Amt. of Deposit Enclosed: $_____________(Balance Due on Arrival)

For Canadian Checks indicate "U.S. Funds" next to the dollar and word amounts.

You may pay by credit card (full amount must be paid when registering by credit card)

___ Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Discovercard

Number_______________________________________

Expiration Date:________ Signature:____________________________________

For Scholarship Fund:____________________(All gifts are tax deductible)

Please note if you have a disability for use in making room assignments

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OCTOBER 15-17, 2021 (RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 27-29, 2020)

Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA

Allies in Recovery: A Weekend Workshop for Sexual Abuse Survivors and their Partners

The long-term and often painful process of recovery from sexual abuse has profound effects on relationships. Partners and survivors experience a parallel process of understanding the nature of abuse, its effects on the survivor and the couple, and the requirements of healing. Lack of information and understanding on both sides cause great strain on the couple.

This is our 7th weekend workshop designed for couples where one or both of the partners is a non-offending survivor of sexual child abuse, rape, physical violence, emotional abuse and/or neglect. It is open to all couples in committed relationships. Our goal is to offer a safe, encouraging environment of healing for each partner and the couple.

The weekend will provide a variety of healing activities, including the sharing of stories, writing exercises, anger work and other emotional expression, small group discussion, relaxation, creativity, and yes, even fun. There will be time for work within the couple as well as individual and small group gatherings just for survivors or just for partners.

Survivors will be able to do their own healing work while learning ways of improving communication with people who care about them. They will come to understand stressors experienced by their partners, and how stepping out of isolation will improve their recovery and their relationship.

Partners will be encouraged to explore and express the challenges they face being in a loving relationship with a survivor and how to practice self care while more effectively supporting and getting support from their partner. Like the survivor, they will begin to move beyond their own isolation toward more effective communication and a healthier, more satisfying relationship.

Led by Mike Lew, and Thom Harrigan of the Next Step Counseling in Northampton, MA and Ellen Ford, LCSW. Mike is the author of Victims No Longer: The Classic Guide for Men Recovering from Sexual Child Abuseand Leaping Upon the Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory Over Sexual Child Abuse. Thom leads groups for male survivors and has worked extensively in this field. Ellen has worked with survivors in Syracuse, NY for many years. For more information see: The Next Step Counseling & Training

Cost $725 includes room, board and tuition. You can register online at Kirkridge.

Or contact:
Kirkridge Conference and Retreat Center
2495 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013
Tel. (610) 588-1793

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Other events in planning stages: Discussions are underway for future events in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, and the USA. Information will be posted as it becomes available.

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