What happens at a workshop
Going to a new place and meeting new people can be stressful at the best of times. When you are feeling low and vulnerable it is even harder. That is why we do everything we can to put you at your ease and help you relax when you come to a DRW workshop.
When you arrive at the workshop you will find reassuring signs to let you know that you have found the right place. Friendly, understanding people will meet you at the door and make you feel welcome. There will be time to relax over tea and coffee and meet the other particpants and the DRW team will be happy to answer any concerns you have and put you at ease. Remember, everyone you meet at a workshop has been through divorce or seperation and understands how you feel.
Each of the six weekly sessions starts with a 30 minute video lecture. Although the subject matter is serious the presentation is light-hearted and entertaining. The video if full of information and most people find something relevant from the lecture will come to mind months later.
After a short break you will be split into small groups, normally 6-8 people, to talk about what you have seen. Don't worry, you don't have to say anything and you will not be 'put on the spot'. However, the more you particpate the more you will get out of the workshop. Everything said within these groups is strictly confidential so it is safe to discuss your feelings. Each group will be led by two facilitators who have been through the workshop themselves. They are not experts and are only there to see that everyone gets a chance to speak and to keep the conversation on track. You will stay with the same group for all six sessions.
You can download a 5 minute introductory video that includes extracts from the video lectures, a typical group discussion and testimony from those who have been through the workshop. (The discussion is specially staged - we would never break confidentiality by allowing cameras into a real group)
After the discussion you will be given some notes on the video and some written exercises for you to do at home. These help you relate your own experience to the ideas discussed during the session. At the end of the evening you are free to stay and chat, if you wish, or perhaps visit the local pub. This is the time to make new, lasting friendships.
The workshop is restricted to six sessions to encourage you to take the next step yourself. Week 7 is the start of a social support group run by past particpants. These social groups organise various meetings and trips out and usually have a regular social evening where you can meet with people who you know will understand what you have been through.
Weekend residential workshops offer all six sessions in a single weekend starting on Friday evening and finishing about mid-afternoon on Sunday. Although more intense with less opportunity to absorb the information between sessions this format is more convenient for many people. If there is no weekly workshop in your area, or for some reason you cannot make your local workshop this is the option for you.