Sacred Principles of Support – Chippewa Valley Trauma Support Circle

Safe Space – Healing trauma happens in community, not in isolation. As such, the space we occupy must always feel safe. We provide that safety for each other by following these principles. What is most important here is our healing and recovery from trauma. We will strive to be mindful of our language and recognize that everyone’s healing journey is unique to them.
Anonymity – The need to be free to say what is on our mind and in our heart in this Safe Space is paramount to trauma recovery. What we experience within the confines of our group must stay safe within our group. Borrowed from traditional closing statements at meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, “Who you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here,” but we add: except to keep it sacred in your heart if it is of benefit to you.
Consent – On our healing path, we lean toward moving through fears that limit social engagement, but in our community we normalize seeking consent before initiating touch (of any kind), private conversations, giving or seeking advice, or any other experience that might be triggering or perceived as coercive or controlling. We also recognize that sometimes we have very unique triggers that we ourselves may be unaware of, and therefore, we do our best to maintain a forgiving nature for our peers when unintentional harm occurs — understanding that a triggered response is information, not an accusation. This is one way we cultivate, with intent, a space for growth and healing.
Acceptance – We meet each other exactly as we are, not as we wish we were or fear we might be. Trauma often teaches us that we must earn our right to be worthy of belonging (and perhaps even that we are not able to). But here, you do not have to perform anything. Where you are today is enough. Your presence is valued.
Non-discrimination – This space is open regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, nationality, socioeconomic status, or the nature and severity of the trauma that brought you here. Trauma does not discriminate, and neither will we. We ask that you come with an open mind and an open heart as well.
Inclusion – Belonging here is not conditional on how “well” you are healing, how you tell your story, or whether your trauma looks like anyone else’s. There is no hierarchy of pain.