To support participants in gently recognizing and understanding the emotional,cognitive, and embodied patterns created by experiences of emotional abuse without revisiting or reliving traumatic events. Through psychoeducation, grounding practices, reflective writing, and expressive arts, participants will learn to identify survival‑based behaviours, reconnect with their inner voice, and begin reclaiming self‑worth,
boundaries, and personal agency. The workshop aims to empower participants to transform internalized messages of harm into messages of strength and self‑trust, while honouring each participant’s pace, lived experience, and cultural context. By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed practical tools for self-regulation, clearer boundaries, and increased confidence in their personal agency.

Emotional abuse leaves marks that are often invisible but deeply felt, shaping the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and move through the world. Many of these impacts appear as patterns in our thoughts, in physical responses or habits that developed in response to harm, in our relationships, and in our sense of self-worth. These patterns were not chosen; they were learned in environments where survival was the priority
over self-expression.
This workshop offers a gentle, compassionate space to explore those patterns without judgment. You are not asked to revisit painful memories or retell your story. Instead, we focus on understanding how emotional abuse may have influenced your inner world and ways you can begin to reclaim your voice, your boundaries, and your sense of self. We recognize and honour the complexity of each woman’s lived experience. The ways
race, culture, gender identity, sexuality, disability, migration, and other intersecting identities shape how emotional abuse is experienced and healed are real and important.
For example, cultural expectations may make it more difficult to set boundaries, while experiences of racism or ableism can add layers to the healing process. We know there is no single path through this work your pace, your truth, and your safety matter.
Throughout our time together, you’ll have opportunities to engage in grounding practices—such as simple breathing exercises or guided meditations to help you feel present and safe. Reflective writing might involve journaling prompts that invite you to notice patterns or strengths, while expressive arts activities could include drawing,
collage, or working with symbols to give shape to your experiences. Together, we will gently explore the emotional, cognitive, and physical responses or habits that have developed in response to harm. Our goal is to make space for new beliefs about yourself that support your confidence and self-worth, nurturing a sense of clarity and self-trust.

Materials Needed: Magazines, collage paper, glue sticks markers,
coloured pencils, tissue paper, writing paper or journals.