Dr. Steven and Vanessa Dawson
at the National Animal Rights Conference in
Washington, DC. , Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel
July 25th- Pre- Conference Workshops-
12-4pm "Meditation for Activists" taught by Dr. Steven and Vanessa Dawson
5-6pm "When Helping Hurts: Vicarious Trauma in Animal Rights Activists"
by Dr. Steven Dawson
You don't want to miss these wonderful FREE sessions!
Meditation will also be lead by Vanessa Dawson every morning of the conference at 7:30am
12-4pm Thursday 7/25
Meditation for Activists
Dr. Steven Dawson DSW, LCSW and Vanessa Dawson RYT
Before the conference get yourself grounded! Join Vanessa and Steve Dawson in a workshop based on the principles of mindful meditation. This workshop will explore the role of mindfulness based self-care for animal right advocates. The four-hour workshop will include an educational discussion as well as hands on applications of the techniques and tools. At the end of the session participants will:
1: Understand the unique vulnerabilities that activism creates.
2: Understand the science behind traumatic stress and the science behind self-care.
3: Experience several types of meditation and mindfulness activities.
4: Be prepared to develop their own self care plan based on what has been presented.
5-6pm Thursday 7/25
When Helping Hurts:
Vicarious Trauma in Animal Rights Activists.
That which makes us good at and committed to this work is also what makes it challenging. Vicarious Trauma (VT) is defined as, the process through which one’s inner experience is negatively transformed through empathic engagement with the another’s trauma.
For Animal Rights activists this occurs on a daily basis. While witnessing the enormous exploitation of animals in this world, activists are constantly exposed to the trauma of the most innocent of all lives. By doing this work we open ourselves up to vicarious trauma. This presentation will discuss this phenomenon form an interpersonal neurobiological perspective. We will discuss the symptoms of VT and ways to protect and heal from this disabling condition. Special attention will be given to the role of community and self care.
Dr. Steven's Bio:
Dr Steven Dawson DSW, LCSW: Dr. Steve is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He graduated from NYU with a Masters Degree in Social Work and received his Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Steven is a tenure track, associate professor of Social Work at Daemen college and has previously taught at NYU and Rutgers University. Co-founder of Penelope's Place animal sanctuary and the compassionate Self Actualization Center, Steve provides individual therapy and mindfulness meditation training. In addition he has worked with numerous animal rights groups on the subject of vicarious trauma, conflict resolution and veganism and metal health. He has lectured at Bellevue Hospital in both the Survivors of Torture Clinic, and the Hospitals Psychiatric Grand Rounds as well as other locations inside and outside of New York City. To learn more go to www.dawsonpsychotherapy.com
Vanessa Dawson's bio:
Vanessa Dawson teaches a variety of healing modalities and has a unique way of bringing these teachings into her work with vegan activists. Her classes include Mindfulness Meditation, Sound Healing Meditation featuring singing bowls and other healing instruments, Yoga Nidra, Trauma Informed Yoga Classes and Hatha Vinyasa Classes for both Adults and Children. Vanessa is also a musical theater performer and co-founder of Penelope’s Place The Sanctuary, a sanctuary for special needs farmed animals.
