Self Defense from the Inside Out Group Experience: For current offerings, please check our our events calendar Self Defense From the Inside Out training consists of 21-30 hours of group meetings. Participants take part in discussions and activities that explore such areas as the ways we've been set up to be victimized and resistance to violence. These nonthreatening, yet challenging sessions offer women: A safe, supportive environment to explore issues of violence and share life stories; An awareness of self-defeating behavior patterns and ways to change them to be more self-protective; Skills to avoid and deal with future violence; and A foundation from which to start healing An understanding of the stages of assaults and a deeper understanding of the causes of violence against women This experience is valuable both for those who have experienced a past assault and those who have not. It is appropriate for a variety of special groups, including teenagers and incarcerated women. Click here to read more feedback.   Workbook: The foundation of Self Defense from the Inside Out, the workbook has been used by hundreds of women in conjunction with traditional self-defense classes as part of college classes and in other settings. The workbook explores the ways women have been set up as victims and how to change that role. It's filled with exercises that provide an opportunity for women... To assess their reactions to different types and levels of abusive situations; To develop skills for self-protection; To forgive themselves for what has been done to them; To claim their rights and hold perpetrators accountable; and To challenge the shame and blame put on them for being victimized. Click here to order the SDIO workbook and other materials.   Facilitator Training (aka SDIO2): We do not have a SDIO2 training scheduled for the near future. If you are interested in the purchasing a copy of the curriculum/Facilitator's Guide, due to be released January 2008, please check our store! Women who have completed the Self Defense from the Inside Out program can enter a certification course to prepare them to lead other women through the process. Participants receive: A 35-hour training course in the concepts and practices of Self Defense from the Inside Out; A step-by-step manual that offers guidance yet leaves room for creativity and spontaneity; A powerful tool to help women gain skills for the future and heal from the past; and The opportunity to become part of a network of practitioners. Certified facilitators are currently leading groups throughout Oregon for girls involved with the criminal justice system; through rape, domestic violence and welfare agencies; drug and alcohol treatment facilites; and for the general public.

... What participants have said about SDIO ... "This book was an incredible experience for me. I was in an abusive relationship about 2 1/2 years ago. I ended it, but never worked through my emotions with counseling or talking to anyone about it in depth. Doing this workbook was very hard because it opened a lot of old wounds, but I'm grateful for that. It has helped me to forgive myself and to help me take steps to insure I'm never in that situation again... All I can really say is thank you for this experience."   "I can't say enough about how transformational this experience has been."   "This is life-changing ...community-changing ...society-changing ...work...that WORKS!"   "This workbook has been such a healing and helping hand. It feels so good to honor, revive, approach and nurture so much buried pain. I refuse to be silent about disrespect, manipulation and abuse. Thank you for showing me the way. "     "This is life survival training. I am honored to be able to spread this to others."