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.
Information for Lead Providers & Referrers
Referring your client to a group programme
Who can be referred
Confirmed ACC Sensitive Claim for sexual abuse
Engaged in individual therapy with a Lead Provider
Sufficient emotional stability for a group setting
Motivated to learn skills and engage with others
Not in acute crisis or requiring intensive stabilisation first
How to refer
Contact RISE to discuss suitability and check intake availability
Apply to ACC to have your client approved for the group programme
Once approved, your client is added to the waitlist
We arrange a three-way pre-programme meeting — you, your client, and the facilitator
Consent confirmed and your client is enrolled in the next available group
Your role during the programme
Continue individual therapy throughout the 10 weeks
Reinforce and integrate group learning into your sessions
Monitor wellbeing and flag concerns to the facilitator
Provide additional support if content becomes activating
Clinical responsibility for your client remains with you
Programme at a glance
10 × 2-hour sessions held weekly, in-person in Nelson
Maximum 12 participants per group
Two trained facilitators at every session
Skills-based — not a disclosure programme
Te Whare Tapa Whā, DBT, and trauma-informed practice
Three Lead Provider meetings — you and your client attend all three
Before Session 1 Pre-programme
45–60 minutes. You, your client, and the facilitator. Goals set, clinical context shared, client prepared and enrolled.
Between Sessions 4–5 Mid-programme
30 minutes. Three-way review of engagement, integration with therapy, and risk check-in.
Within 2 weeks of Session 10 Post-programme
30 minutes. Progress named, areas for continued therapy focus agreed, transition confirmed.
Details
When: Friday mornings, 28 August - 13 November (10 weeks) (please note there is a 2 week break during school holidays)
