Calming an Anxious Mind (CAM) introduces a variety of evidence-based clinical interventions for trauma recovery.  The curriculum integrates insights from renown leaders in the field of trauma recovery, such as Levine, 1995; Van der Kolk, 2014, Rothchild, 2000, Dana, 2018;  Porges 1994 and offers internationally recognised somatic healing approaches and arts therapy interventions. 

 

Led by qualified facilitators and therapists with over 35 years combined experience. This program is designed to benefit clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder and those resistant to traditional treatments. 

 

CAM is a unique program designed to support the delicate process of stabilising and integrating trauma. It offers participants essential psychoeducation to help regulate their autonomic nervous system responses, fostering resilience and balance in daily life. Through their participation, clients are gently guided toward healthy social engagement, cultivating connection and well-being.

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Program Objectives:

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• Develop an in-depth understanding of self-care.

• Develop self care choices in relation to self care needs and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses.

• Develop an individualised self care practice and develop internal and external resources to use it.

• Develop and/or strengthen self soothing, compassionate and non self judgemental thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

• Explore obstacles to self care.

• An opportunity to be in a trauma sensitive and accepting environment to explore practices that support healing.

• Tuning into the body and somatic sensations safely.

• Reconnecting with and befriending the body in a compassionate way.

• Develop increased embodied mindfulness skills and ability to tolerate a range of sensations/emotions while staying present.

• Develop supports for working with states of hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal.

• Develop pausing, relaxation and self-soothing skills. 

• Restoration of a more coherent body-mind relationship.

• Increased sense of self-agency by provision of choices and support to make choices.

• A reduction in feelings of social isolation and alienation.

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Participant Suitability: This program is suitable for women with approved ACC SCS claims. It is ideal for clients who could benefit from a trauma-sensitive environment to explore self-care and regulation practices. The program is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with nervous system dysregulation, social isolation, or difficulty reconnecting with their bodies after trauma.

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Safety and Cultural Sensitivity: We collaborate closely with participants and their lead providers to ensure all safety and cultural needs are met. The program emphasizes cultural diversity and bicultural awareness, and we seek guidance from ACC cultural advisors as needed.

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Participants will receive an anonymous evaluation form to reflect on their experience, and we encourage lead providers to support their clients in completing this assessment. This feedback will help refine and improve the program for future iterations.

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Process for Lead Providers

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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:

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• SCSGT x 12 (8 x 1.5h sessions) 8 week classes (CAM) 

OR

• SCSGT x 16 (2 x 12h sessions) 2-Day Retreats (CAM) 

• Time frames: 01/04/2025 - 01/07/2025

• Vendor ID: VAH127 (The Nelson Clinic)

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

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"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 2 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

groups@nelsonclinic.nz

 

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.

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3. Triage

Once we have received your registration form, one of our Group Workfacilitators 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.