ABSTRACT
Spirasi is Ireland’s main centre for the rehabilitation of survivors of torture. In this chapter, the author presents the development of a groupwork programme at Spirasi. The context for seeking asylum in Ireland and the nature of Complex PTSD are set out. Then the benefits, challenges and learnings from Spirasi’s move to groupwork are illustrated through two specific groups: the Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Group and the LGBTQ Peer Support Group. The values of empowerment, choice, trust and safety are woven through the group descriptions as core features of building human connection through groupwork. The words of group participants show how the interpersonal and culturally informed interventions support recovery from the impact of traumatic events on the psyche and the body.
