Writing

Upcoming Events

Information about upcoming workshops, professional trainings and public lectures by the staff of The Next Step will be posted here. The following are among the events that will occur in 2009 and beyond:

2009 Events

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August 21-23, 2009

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 19th annual weekend workshop 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.

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.

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 deadline is August 7th. Space is limited, so please try to register early to secure your place.

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 Brookline, 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 $380.00 includes room, meals, and workshop. (Note: These are the 2008 details, and are subject to change.)

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

Registration deposits ($190.00) are non-refundable for cancellations within 14 days of the event. Prior to 14 days before the event deposits are refundable except for a $30 administrative fee. If possible, please register at least one month prior and use one form per person/event.

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"Leaping Upon the Mountains"
August 21-23, 2009
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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January 22-24, 2010

Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA

Healing Together: A Recovery Weekend for Female and Male Survivors

Led by Louise Kindley and Mike Lew

We are planning our first Kirkridge weekend workshop for male and female survivors together. Details of this exciting event will be posted here and on http://kirkridge.org/ as they develop.

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March 18-21, 2010

New York, NY, USA

MaleSurvivor Conference

Mike will be facilitating a day long workshop for male survivors on March 18th as a pre-conference institute. It is open to non-offending adult male survivors.

He will also be offering a workshop on new directions for male survivors in recovery that is open to all, and will facilitate and international panel. For further details about this and other conference offerings, visit: http://www.malesurvivor.org/conference-2010.html

Events in early planning stages:

Following on the successful recent events for professionals and male survivors in Australia, plans are underway for Mike's return visit to "Oz" and New Zealand in 2010. Anyone interested in participating in organising events in a specific location can contact the overall organisers at South East Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) in Melbourne. They are Carolyn Worth and Peter Pa'aPa'a For information specific to New Zealand, contact Ken Clearwater or John Prince at mssat@survivor.org.nz

Thom Harrigan and Mike Lew will be giving a series of lectures in Japan during the Fall, 2010. Details will be posted as they develop.

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NOW AVAILABLE!

Victims No Longer - Second Edition
The revised, updated, and expanded second edition of Victims No Longer is now available. The new edition 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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