What are Community Sessions?
Overview
“Community Sessions” are a monthly 4-week group program for active people who are up against an injury of any kind. The groups are designed to bring runners, cyclists, swimmers, rugby players, and any other active souls together to reframe the experience of injury, reclaim their identity, and regain a sense of agency in this time. Sessions are led by Psychotherapist Freya Bronwin.
Who are they for?
Any one who values movement and an injury of any kind - present or past- is getting in the way. Any injury, ability, sport, or location. We work with people of every level - from elite event winners, to beginner runners.
What to expect from the sessions?
Groups are small - 3-4 people - and are usually made up of people who don’t know each other, or at least don’t know each other very well. Freya will lead the group through a series of exercises and conversations which will be tailored to the needs and interests of those present. It will involve a combination of individual and group reflections. We’ll explore a huge range of themes, from challenges, to identity, hopes, connections, and strategies to minimize the effects of the problem. You can expect a non-judgemental space to feel heard, to connect, and to reframe your experience of this time.
What’s the benefit?
It’s not for me to say. So, I’ll turn to the words of others. The feedback from 1-1 and group sessions is consistent when it comes to the benefits people experience. They are…
1) Feeling seen - my problems and challenges are understood, and I understand them differently too.
2) Gaining perspective and a sense of hope - feeling connected to the other parts of my identity that are important, and the skills and resources that help sustain me. The injury and what it represents are one piece of a much bigger jigsaw.
3) Connection. Feeling connected to people in my life, connected to other people who have an understanding of what I’m up against, and feeling like my experience can connect with and help other people too.
What’s the difference from 1-1 sessions?
It’s a bit like training. Imagine having a 1-1 session with a coach, or a group session with a coach. In a 1-1 session there’s more time to work on things tailored to you, but in a group you have the benefit of feeling part of a team, learning from others’ experience, and working with the group in a different way. It’s also a cheaper experience so hopefully accessible to an even wider range of people.
What will be expected of me?
Attend all the sessions. Be present and respectful. Bring an open mind. Practically, there will also be some exercises that you’re invited to do between sessions. Participants find this incredibly helpful and it fuels the content of the following week, so it’s expected that you jump in!
How much is it?
A 4-week programme costs $250 AUD. This includes 1x15 min initial conversation, 4x1hr sessions, and exercises between sessions.
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Don’t take my word for it - testimonials from the December group;
Rugby player - “I found the Reframe Sessions really helpful. With a focus on the relationship athletes have with their injuries and with themselves, it was clear from the beginning that the sessions were going to compliment my aspirations in elite sport - and they did exactly that. Freya created a safe and collaborative space for the group to address psychological and social issues associated with acute and chronic injury. The sessions accommodated all levels of athlete and at different stages of their journey. A psychological approach to injury is so valuable and these sessions would benefit anyone looking to enhance their performance or improve well-being. I highly recommend.”
Elite runner - “These sessions were very helpful in navigating my injury and helped me to find light and hope during difficult times. Freya was extremely attentive, insightful and asked questions that transformed my 'relationship' with my injury. I always felt safe, respected and valued. Would very much recommend to see her.
Ultra runner - “I enjoyed the line of questioning - it was thoughtful and provocative and had follow-up questions which led to a deeper insight which would have been difficult to find without the prompting. Asking other participants to reflect on each others' responses to questions was insightful and felt like it engaged everyone equally. “