We welcome submissions of brief testimonials from WOR/DOR alumni that can inspire other survivors who are considering whether to attend a healing retreat. We also welcome brief testimonial submissions from allies – partners, children, parents, friends, family members – offering feedback concerning how your loved one has benefitted from or changed as a result of attending a WOR/DOR. If you have any questions or for submissions, contact Jim Struve. |
You all were a life raft to me while I was drowning - Jeff N. |
Building a wall doesn’t mean that I want to (or even could) forget the past. What was done to me is as much a part of who I am as the color of my hair or eyes. Realistically I can’t prevent my past from affecting my present. There are times (and there always will be) when I feel unsafe, when I want to disappear, when I feel permanently damaged and unworthy of love. But the WOR helped me see that I don’t have to let the past undermine or distort the present. Building a wall means that I arrive at a point where I feel compassion for myself, where I have a capacity to feel joy and freedom, to form and maintain positive, mutually supportive relationships, where I can experience emotional intimacy and trust. Although recovery is gradual, the WOR was genuinely transformational in helping me arrive at this point of understanding. I can now look forward to the future with optimism and a relish for life. Thanks to the WOR I can see that I am so much more than just a survivor. - Ralph – Age 62 - Hope Springs 2019 WOR Alumnus |
I
remember the day like it was yesterday. I signed up for this retreat on a
leap of faith and had to just do it or I knew I would procrastinate and
continue to put it off. I signed up for the WOR 1 in Alta in the end of
Sept first of Oct of 2016. I was scared out of my wits. I remember
sitting in my car at Alta Lodge trying to get the courage to go in and just
register. I knew though that if I registered that I wouldn't be able to
back out. I entered Alta Lodge and immediately had negative self talk
kick in as I was working to get my room. The gentlemen that was helping
me was kind and considerate . . . . READ MORE |
Days & Weekends of
Recovery can (and will) become essential and habit-forming because I can
finally be with people who ‘get’ what I experienced and suffered
because they, truly, have been through the wringer and come out the
other side, just like me. You made me proud of myself! That, in and of
itself, is a precious gift. | Amazing! One has to be there to experience it! Definitely helped me grow! DOR brought me to a better place than I was before. I wish MaleSurvivor had of been available at the time I was victimized. But, nonetheless, it is here now, and has been for some time now. –Toronto DOR (2014) |
My story is common among survivors, the pedophile who gained my trust only to betray it was a priest. He left me broken and for many years I operated far below my potential, sought comfort in alcohol, lost friends, 2 wives and more jobs than I can count.Then came group and for years I shrugged off suggestions of a Weekend of Recovery. The idea of it just felt uncomfortable, then as time went on I didn't believe I needed anything beyond group. |
Extremely powerful and moving. I don’t think at the point in my recovery I was at that I could have handled a whole weekend. The one day intro was perfect and left me deeply moved. –Toronto DOR Was exactly what I needed at this space and time in my life. –Alta Advanced WOR |
Enlightening, affirming, safe, caring community. –Alta Advanced WOR The
WOR was a heart rending experience that was beautiful to witness.
Thanks to all organizers and facilitators. You are doing a mighty work. –Alta Advanced WOR Each and everyone of the facilitators were invaluable! –Toronto DOR | It was a great experience! It was amazing actually. I chuckled at the end in my small group and asked, "Are you sure this is for abuse survivors? Because man... I got so much out of this weekend!" They chuckled back and agreed that so much of it is applicable on many levels. I find that I am really missing that small circle of support. I will definitely keep in touch. - Hope Springs Level 1 WOR |
We had things in common that I wished we didn't, unspoken things we understood about one another. Over time, I did believe that if I worked hard, I could find a way to live a life where my past did not consume me. In our smaller assemblies, we would share our stories with the understanding that we, as individual men, could indeed heal. - WOR Alumnus | A lifeline in time when I really needed one to validate a lot of things when I was a kid really were that messed up & there really are folks who understand & an entire brotherhood of others navigating their own healing paths. I've become more mindful & grateful for the path & on the path as I stand with others who trod with open hearts, reframing much, all while seeking healthy love, peace, & balance while doing no harm. |