Trauma-Sensitive Self-Compassion Retreat

A two-day retreat for women

The weekend brings together evidence-based self-compassion models from Kristin Neff, Paul Gilbert and Chris Germer. Participants learn and practise self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness, alongside compassionate movement. They leave with a range of self-compassion practices to use in everyday life.

Self-compassion means offering ourselves warmth and non-judgemental understanding when confronting suffering, inadequacy or failure. It involves taking a balanced approach so painful feelings are neither suppressed nor exaggerated.

Outcomes

• Understand self-compassion and how it can support trauma recovery
• Learn and practise self-kindness, shared humanity and mindfulness
• Increase awareness of self-compassion’s benefits
• Connect with oneself and a group of trauma survivors
• Build a practical selection of self-compassion skills

2026 dates: 5-6 September and 28-29 November, 9am-4pm both days (Central Auckland, venue TBC)

Facilitators

Anna Drijver is an ACC/ISSC-approved registered psychotherapist trained in CBT, MBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness and self-compassion. She is also a trained yoga teacher and has studied Mindful Self-Compassion with Kristin Neff and Chris Germer.

Maud Grubbels (TBC) is a dance therapist experienced in ACC individual therapy, embodied work and art therapy.

Private cost: $500 for the full retreat

Private enquiries: Anna Drijver, 021 165 1711

ACC funding

1. Your Lead Provider will need to contact ACC, provide a rationale and request 16 hours of SCGW plus one hour of SCGT with TheraMAS as supplier (g09852). A wide date range is recommended in case classes are postponed.
2. Complete the participant sign-up form sent once TheraMAS receives purchase approval.
3. A facilitator will contact you a few weeks before the group to explain it and answer questions.

ACC queries: referrals@theramas.co.nz