Seminar „Path of Knowledge“ in Bad Saarow

From 11 to 15 September 2024, we held the seminar „Path of Knowledge“ with 14 participants in collaboration with the Protestant Military Chaplaincy and the Soldiers and Veterans Foundation (SVS).

The seminar is one of over 13 projects that the association for soldiers injured in action and their families has been able to finance and carry out since last year thanks to the many generous individual donations and federal grants.

The concept of the „Path to Understanding“ is aimed specifically at partners of soldiers in the German Armed Forces who have been traumatised by their service and who often suffer from the psychological and psychosomatic stress of their affected partners.

In addition to offering participants the opportunity to take a break from the challenges and stress of everyday life, the seminars provide a safe environment in which to discuss stress and experiences, network with each other and exchange ideas about possible solutions, moderated by experienced therapists over the course of several seminars.

The content of the seminar aims to help participants learn to recognise their own needs and limits in order to strengthen their resilience and self-care. Further objectives include improving their stress management strategies and expanding their communication skills in their relationships and families.

The current session focused intensively on the topic of „change and new goals“. With the help of the „wheel of life“ coaching tool, the participants took a comprehensive inventory of the different areas of their lives and formulated specific goals and the necessary steps for individual change. Individual coaching sessions and support from a pastoral counsellor offered additional opportunities for reflection.

Activities such as making bracelets as reminders of personal mottos, a creative evening programme and a trip to the climbing forest not only strengthened the group's cohesion, but also boosted self-confidence and courage to overcome personal limitations and fears. In addition, participants learned a neurobiologically based technique for stress regulation that they can also use at home.

Through a combination of theoretical content, practical exercises and group activities, which also included plenty of fun, the women were empowered and returned to their everyday lives with new inspiration.

Due to the positive response and numerous enquiries, the seminar will be offered again next year and even expanded with a new group.