The freedom programme

[richteasandcheese]

What actually happens on the course? How long is it and what happens at each session? Do you need to talk/share? Who is it most beneficial for? ie I know my stbexh is an emotionally abusive cunt and we are separating (despite his attempts to backtrack). I know it's meant to be great, I'm just not sure what it actually entails

It's predominantly a group discussion led by a small team of facilitators, who usually have first hand experience of DA. In my case, going back about 4 years, it was a 100% females in the room, which made it feel a very safe space. There were women from all walks of life and all ages - from a pregnant teenager who had recently got out of prison and was being urged to leave the baby's violent partner to a grandmother in her 60s who was there to try and understand what her adult daughter had been through at the hands of her partner. And mostly women like me who had recently woken up to the hell they'd beem living in and had left or were in the process of leaving. There's no pressure to speak unless you want to - and there are rules about respectful listening/ disagreement etc to allow everyone to be heard. Iirc we covered all the different types of abusive man and each one's particular tactics and also learned how most men are a blend of types. It's about empowerment to recognise the signs and unscramble what's really going on in those situations/ dynamics. Also lots of emphasis on the statistics of DV/DA.

Thank you - the group setting is what puts me off. My town is small and chances are I'd be known to others there due to the nature of my work. I'd need to find one out of town!

you can do it online too OP. It consists of some reading, filling in answers to questions (for yourself only) and digesting. No groups. No interaction. Just education and personal reflection.

I started the Freedom Programme 2 weeks ago. It’s a 12 week rolling programme and you can join any time. I travel to the nearest large town so it’s a bit more anonymous. We are going through a different type of abusive behaviour each week. I must admit I was really unsure whether the group format was for me but I have learnt so much just in the last two weeks. There are some heartbreaking stories but also a lot of laughter and support.

It's not easily available in my experience. I live in a city and one venue was listed. I called and they said they no longer run it and no information on who did, so it may not be an option. I used Stephanie Lyn coaching on YouTube instead. Not the same but in my experience it's always suggested on here but not available

Forgot to say each session lasts 2 hours and there’s no pressure to speak if you don’t want to.

I’m doing it in the small town I grew up in. I recognise some people, but the facilitator goes through confidentiality etc. I am finding it so much better than I expected - it’s really supportive and amazing to be around women who understand in a way my family and friends can’t. I’d highly recommend it x

Having had a look online, despite this being a large city, there are no in person courses.....will investigate the online option

Good luck OP, hope you find it useful