Healing through the arts will be at the heart of a new support group.
The Integrative Healing Group for female adult survivors of sexual abuse will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays from this week through Nov. 22 at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
Bottle Works, Victim Services and Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber are bringing the innovative concept to reality in Johnstown.
The group will be facilitated by Erika Jugan, supervisor of direct services at Victim Services, and Rachel Allen, certified music practitioner and registered yoga teacher from Windber Medical Center.
The Integrative Healing Group will use elements of a traditional support group in combination with a yoga class and expression through art and music.
“Sexual abuse affects survivors on so many levels,” Jugan said. “Not only does it affect how we relate to the outside world, but it also has a profound impact on how we relate to our own bodies. Our bodies become unsafe, and we disconnect.
“Yoga teaches us a safe way to reconnect to our bodies and opens up a level of self-compassion that goes beyond what counseling alone can do,” she said. “When you add in the additional components of expression through art and music, you reach even deeper into those areas of transformation.”
Because sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on the lives of survivors, many struggle with flashbacks, anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, difficulty trusting and body-related issues.
“Yoga is a comprehensive system of integrating physical and emotional components for optimal health and happiness,” Allen said. “Yoga addresses fears and aversions, the primary roots of suffering. Practitioners learn to diminish hostility, terror and aversion, and gain tools to establish feelings of well-being and calmness.
“Yoga can address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of an individual and provide the framework for the practitioner to address these with equal measures of patience, compassion and gentleness in a safe environment conducive to healing.”
The group also will include elements of expression through visual arts and music.
“Art is a universal language,” said Rosemary Pawlowski, executive director of Bottle Works. “We’re always looking for ways to reach out into the community and connect with people who we may not come into contact with at the center. Funding through Lee Initiatives and the Community Foundation afforded us the opportunity to bring in Victim Services and Windber Medical Center to create this group and connect with survivors of sexual abuse.”
The healing group is free, and no experience in yoga, art or music is necessary.
Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Jugan at 288-4961.
An intake appointment for members is required prior to the beginning of the group.
In January, the arts center will host an exhibit of the artwork created by the survivors during the 10-week program.
For Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the exhibit will be available to travel to other venues.
Any organization interested in hosting the exhibit can contact Pawlowski at 536-5399.
Easing the pain
What: Integrative Healing Group.
When: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays from this week through Nov. 22.
Where: Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
Admission: Free.
Information: 288-4961.