IMPACT THERAPY IN ACTION: A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH TO GROUPWORK WITH REFUGEE YOUTH 

This workshop will focus on demonstrating the application of Professor Ed Jacobs’ Impact Therapy model in trauma-informed groupwork with refugee young people. 

Impact Therapy is an active, multisensory, and theory driven approach that integrates creative props, movement, and metaphors to make therapeutic ideas clear, engaging, and memorable. When combined with trauma-informed principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, it becomes a powerful way to foster resilience and connection in group settings. 

Participants will learn how the RCFFC structure (Rapport, Contract, Focus, Funnel, Close) facilitates predictable, safe, and meaningful group processes. They will also learn how the 4 M’s (Multisensory, Motivational, Marketing, and Maps) bring energy and cultural sensitivity to the work, without risking retraumatisation. 

Through practical demonstrations, the workshop will illustrate how simple props, creative mapping, and peer sharing can support young people in becoming engaged, willing to open up, building trust, and feeling connected with others within a group setting.

Workshop run time: 3 hours