Mental Wellness Initiative

02/11/2024

Authenticity is the key to 'creating safe space' this cannot be faked.

29/10/2024

Can we talk about how a mad idea I had in the shower in April 2021 now has 78 000 readers around the world! Collective Action Magazine End GBVF Collective

27/10/2024

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/traceykotzen_and-just-like-that-the-phenomenal-svri-forum-activity-7256190747240976384-Ms41?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

And just like that, the phenomenal SVRI Forum 2024 is over! It was an incredible privilege to respond to SVRI's call for the integration of wellbeing and…

23/08/2024

MWI LAUNCHES A TRE (SOMATIC TRAUMA AND STRESS RELEASE) PROGRAMME FOR THE SOCIAL SECTOR

MWI has formally launched its TRE Programme to support the mental wellbeing of trauma survivors and community-based trauma responders. In partnership with I Matter NPO , based in Eden Park, MWI was facilitated a TRE session for 17 women who are GBV and/or trauma survivors.

WHAT IS TRE?

Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) is a body-based practice designed to help release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. It involves a series of exercises that evoke a natural tremoring response, which helps the body release accumulated stress. It is a zero-cost method for personal trauma recovery. Once you know how to do it for yourself, you can use the skill for free for the rest of your life. This method is therefore perfect for people who have no access to psychological counselling. It is also a lovely complimentary modality for people who are engaged in counselling but are looking for a body-based method to support their healing.

WHY SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE?

Gender-based violence often leaves survivors with profound physical and psychological trauma. TRE is an important tool for survivors of gender-based violence, as trauma is often not just a mental experience but also a physical one. By engaging the body in the healing process, survivors can find a non-verbal way to process their experiences, which can be especially valuable when discussing the trauma is too painful.

With planning for many more of these sessions underway, we look forward to empowering in their recovery and healing.

If you are interested in bringing your team of community-based responders of a group of survivors for TRE please contact us at [email protected]

28/06/2024

Zoe Pali’s thoughts around "Unravelling the Impact of GBV Trauma in Intimate Relationships."

Coming soon Don't miss it!

https://mwi.org.za/heal-your-mind-with-tracey-lee-kotzen-podcast/

26/06/2024

Listen to Kavya Swaminathan from The TEARS Foundation as she shares her thoughts on "Unraveling the Impact of GBV Trauma in Intimate Relationships."

New podcast episodes Coming soon — don't miss it!

https://mwi.org.za/heal-your-mind-with-tracey-lee-kotzen-podcast/

18/06/2024

In the all-new episodes of the Heal Your Mind Podcast with Tracey-Lee Kotzen, we would like to welcome and introduce Dr. Njabulo Mbanda.

Dr. Mbanda is currently the Deputy Dean for Research at the IIE’s Varsity College, South Africa. As a public health researcher who is passionate about promoting a culture of research scholarship, good health, and wellbeing, her research interests include public, mental, and youth health. She has also published on health information strategies, youth health issues, and gender-based violence. Njabulo’s work contributes to conversations about African health strategies, plans, and progress towards the achievement of Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and wellbeing. With over 15 years of experience in managing and coordinating public health research programs, she possesses sound knowledge of health systems strengthening, HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs. Her latest book, “Improving Health Literacy for People with Low Literacy: An Analysis of a South African HIV Health Education Programme,” has just been published by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Press.

Coming soon! For our newest episode, “Unravelling the Impact of GBV Trauma in Intimate Relationships,” don't miss the insights on the impact of GBV trauma in intimate relationships.

14/06/2024

BEYOND THE BRUISES -Unravelling the Impact of GBV Trauma in Intimate Relationships

In the all-new episodes of the Heal Your Mind Podcast with Tracey-Lee Kotzen, we would like to welcome and introduce Martin Pelders.

Martin is the Founder of MatrixMen and CEO of The Health and Wellness Center, dedicated to men's mental health. Martin has devoted his life to enabling and empowering men to seek mental health support and to break the stigma that prevents men from seeking help.

Martin is also the author of "The Pumpkin Van," a book in which he shares his life journey from childhood trauma and substance abuse, his quest for healing and how he has opened an NPO to support other men.