Sensitive Claims Service Group Work

The Nelson Clinic is offering adjunctive group therapy for SCS clients in 2026. Our group therapy classes will allow participants to experience being in their bodies and become familiar with inner sensations as a broader journey towards healing. 

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Resilient Boundaries (Female Only)

Facilitators: Hester Phillips & Zoe Lopes

Resilient Boundaries (RB) is carefully designed to offer trauma-sensitive healing for kiritaki who would benefit from developing a positive sense of self, alongside improved boundary recognition, communication, and self-agency. RB is an ideal resource for people seeking insight and practical tools to enhance positive self identity and develop healthier relationships. This program offers an embodied, skills-based approach that effectively complements individual therapy.

How is the Resilient Boundaries program offered?

The program is structured across two terms, guiding clients from internal self-awareness to relational assertion. Clients are welcome to join either Term 1, Term 2, or both terms.

Term 1: Sensing Self - Internal boundaries * Nurturing a positive sense of self * Recognising limits * Somatic practices to befriend your body * Nervous system regulation

Term 2: Sensing Other - Relational boundaries * Communication & interaction with others * Non-verbal communication * Interpersonal exercises

Weekly Classes (8 Weeks)

Wednesday 18th February - 12.45pm - 2.15pm - Koru Centre, Nelson

Thursday 19th February - 9:30am - 11am - Koru Centre, Nelson

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Trauma Sensitive Yoga Nelson (TSY)

Embodied Healing Group Program

Facilitators: Jen Holmes-Beamer & Aurelie Chambers

This eight-week, in-person program combines Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (traumasensitiveyoga.com) and Art Therapy to support clients who are feeling disconnected from their bodies. Unlike a typical yoga class, our programs are not about performing poses or learning from a teacher. They are grounded in trauma theory, neuroscience and attachment theory, and are aimed at cultivating interoception, or the felt sense of the body. We prioritise choice, safety, and predictability above all else, creating a structured environment where participants can safely explore their body’s sensations and find deeper meaning. Each 90-minute session includes 60 minutes of TC-TSY and 30 minutes of art therapy integration linked to body-befriending themes. Participants have time to ground, integrate and make meaning of their experience while connecting with others over a cuppa. 

Recent feedback includes: "I could see my body as mine and felt empowered to protect and find trust in my system". 

Please note, this group is designed as an experiential, body-based program rather than a discussion- or teaching-focused group. Participants are not required to share personal experiences, allowing them to engage at their own pace and within their window of tolerance. It offers a safe environment where clients can experience co-regulation, presence and relational safety without disclosure or performance – important for those who become activated by interpersonal stress.

WEEKLY CLASSES: Term 1 2026 

Nelson In Person (8 Weeks)

Facilitators: Jen Holmes-Beamer & Aurelie Chambers 

Wednesday 11th February - 9:15am - 10:45am - Koru Centre, Nelson (Female only)

Wednesday 11th February - 10:45am - 12:15pm -  Koru Centre, Nelson (Female only)

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Calming an Anxious Mind (CAM) 

Formerly My Body, My Balance (MBMB)

Facilitators: Hester Phillips & Jade Ferriere

WEEKLY IN-PERSON CLASSES: Term 1 2026

Support your clients to build resilience and self-care with Calming an Anxious Mind (CAM)—an 8-week, trauma-sensitive program designed to help them reconnect with their bodies and develop practical tools for managing stress and emotions. Through a blend of movement, arts therapy, and psychoeducation, participants learn to feel more at ease in their bodies, calm emotional overwhelm, and foster a sense of self-compassion in a safe and supportive group setting. For more details and registration information, see the attached flyer.

Nelson In Person (8 weeks)

Friday 13th February - 9:30am - 11am - Koru Centre, Nelson (Female Only)

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Calming an Anxious Mind 2-Day Retreats - Nelson

This retreat is designed for people who have experienced trauma and are living with symptoms of overwhelm in their daily lives (who have a current SCS Claim). If your client is looking for tools and support to manage these symptoms, understand more about trauma, and feel empowered in their healing journey,  this group may be for them.  This retreat is designed to be a compassionate space to explore self-care, manage stress, and develop practical tools for emotional   balance.

Calming an Anxious Mind - an in person 12 hour My Body My Balance 2 day retreat (Female Only)

Nelson: Saturday 7th March - Sunday 8th March - 10:30am - 4:30pm

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Parts in Motion: An IFS & Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Experience (8 week course)

IFS/TC-TSY (Internal Family Systems/ Trauma Sensitive Yoga) 

Facilitators: Angela Carter & Alessandra Marchisio

An 8-week transformative program integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) to support deep healing, nervous system regulation, and self-connection. Through guided journaling, somatic awareness, and gentle movement, this course offers a safe space to explore, honour, and release stored trauma while cultivating Self-led healing.

WEEKLY CLASSES 

Blenheim: Redwood Community Hall

Wednesday 11th February - 5:30pm - 7pm

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A Soft Place to Land

Facilitators: Jen Holmes-Beamer & Debbie Sumner

A Soft Place to Land is a 10-week program supporting women to reconnect with their bodies and cultivate body trust, including a day retreat at Kimi Ora Eco Resort. Through trauma-informed Yin Yoga and guided practices, participants are invited to build tolerance for physical and emotional experience at a pace that honours their individual needs. It is appropriate for those who wish to deepen self-awareness, interoceptive connection and self-regulation in a supportive group environment. Each session offers a supportive space to explore how the body responds to stress, safety and connection. The program concludes with a nurturing one-day retreat – a dedicated time for unstructured moments of connection, integration and reflection. 

Please note, this program is primarily experiential rather than discussion-based, skills-based, or didactic. It offers a safe environment where clients can experience co-regulation, presence and relational safety without disclosure or performance – important for those who become activated by interpersonal stress. In our experience, the absence of required sharing reduces shame activation, while meaningful connection often emerges naturally in informal and unstructured moments.

A Soft Place to Land is a 10-week Trauma Sensitive Yin Yoga and healing journey designed for women, which includes a nurturing day retreat. Throughout this journey, participants gently build tolerance to physical and emotional experience. The practices are offered at a pace that honours each participant, helping build a deeper understanding of how their body responds to stress, safety and connection. The program concludes with a nurturing retreat, offering a space to integrate and reflect on the journey.

Thursday 12th February- 1:15pm - 2:15pm  (venue TBA) - 10 Weeks

Thursday 23rd April - 9:30am - 3:30pm Day Retreat Included (Kimi Ora)

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 EMDR - Healing Within  - Golden Bay

Facilitators: Nicola Finlayson & Sabina Wick

EMDR - Healing Within is a gentle six-session, trauma-informed group programme designed for adults with ACC Sensitive Claims who are recovering from the impact of trauma. Grounded in EMDR’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and the Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP), this small group provides a safe, structured, and culturally responsive space to begin trauma reprocessing without requiring verbal disclosure. Each session incorporates psychoeducation, mindfulness, relational regulation, and EMDR-based resourcing and processing strategies, helping participants build safety, stability, and self-regulation. Outcomes may include reduced PTSD symptoms, improved daily functioning, enhanced coping skills, and greater confidence in self-care and connection with others. Two experienced facilitators provide guidance and containment throughout, ensuring a safe and supportive group environment.

TERM 2: Tuesday 21st April (6 Weeks)

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EMDR - Healing Within - Resourcing - Nelson

Facilitators: Anna Clarkson & Lara Cusdin

EMDR-Healing Within Resourcing Group is a gentle three session in-person group focusing on helping clients feel safer, stronger and more prepared for healing. This group is designed for ACC Sensitive Claims clients who want to build stability, confidence, and inner resources before starting or alongside trauma therapy. People join this group who may feel anxious about trauma processing, experience dissociation, overwhelm or shutdown, who want practical tools to feel safer in their mind/body and would like to experience this in a calm and supportive group environment. This group focuses only on resourcing and stabilisation not trauma processing. Clients can expect a gentle, culturally sensitive, supportive group environment, no disclosure - you never need to share personal details, tools you can you immediately, increased readiness for future trauma therapy and two experienced EMDR facilitators.

Friday 23rd Jan, 30th Jan, 13th Feb - 10am - 12pm, Nelson Central

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RISE - Ngā Parirau Tāne (Male)

 This programme is for males who have experienced sexual abuse and struggle with anger management and violence in relationships. It acknowledges participants in their dual reality—as survivors of trauma and as individuals who may have, or are contemplating, using violence. Through structured modules including Anger vs. Violence, Fault vs. Responsibility, and Impact on Children, men develop the skills to break cycles of harm within their families. Key focus areas include understanding the link between unresolved trauma and current behaviours, developing emotional regulation strategies, and building healthier relationship patterns. Participants gain tools to manage anger constructively while taking responsibility for their actions and their role in protecting future generations.

(10 Weeks) Wednesday 22nd April - Time TBC (Nelson RISE Office)

RISE - Ngā Parirau Wahine (Female)

This programme is for females who have experienced sexual abuse and face challenges maintaining safety in relationships, managing intense emotions, and parenting effectively. It addresses the complex aftermath of trauma, particularly for women who have experienced multiple abusive relationships due to boundary difficulties stemming from their abuse history. Through modules including Justice and Accountability, Parenting After Trauma, and Healthy Relationships and Sexual Respect, participants develop resilience and healthier relational patterns. Key focus areas include recognising safe versus unsafe relationship dynamics, rebuilding self-worth, setting and maintaining boundaries, and developing effective self-care strategies. The programme provides practical tools for breaking free from cycles of harm while supporting participants' healing journey.

(10 Weeks) Friday 24th April - Time TBC (Nelson RISE Office)

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Process for Lead Providers

1. Purchase Order Request

To arrange approval for a client to attend the group, please contact the client's recovery partner as soon as possible. You will need to provide a rationale and request the following codes be approved:

• SCSGTT x1 - All Classes
• SCSGT x 12 (8 x 1.5h sessions) Weekly CAM, TSY, Resilient Boundaries, Parts in Motion classes
• SCSGT x 16 (2 x 8h sessions) CAM 2 Day Retreats, Soft Place to Land
• SCSGT x 12 (6 weeks x 2 hours) EMDR Golden Bay
• SCSGT x 6 (3 weeks x 2 hours) EMDR Resourcing Nelson
• SCSGT x 21 (10 weeks x 2 hours + 1 hour Pre-Meeting) RISE Ngā Parirau classes
• Time frames: 01/01/2026 - 31/07/2026
• Vendor ID: VAH127 (The Nelson Clinic)

This is a simple example of a rationale that could be provided:

"We would like to request approval please for this client to attend a group course run by the Nelson Clinic (VAH127), which will commence on DATE.

The aim of this would be for the client to acquire some additional skills in managing PTSD and depressive symptomatology and promote an opportunity for safe social connection to address current isolation. Could you please let me know if this can be approved for the client? They are motivated to attend this treatment, which aligns well with their current goals as outlined in the wellbeing plan".

The deadline for Term 1 Purchase Orders is the Friday before the class begins.

Please copy us into your ACC PO request so we know to expect it via our groups email

[email protected]

2. Registration

When The Nelson Clinic receives the Purchase Order from ACC we will be in contact to get your client registered and to advise you of the next steps.

3. Triage

Once we have received your registration form, one of our Group Work facilitators will contact your client to triage for any needs prior to commencing the group. You will be kept informed of any decisions relating to your client.