Benefits for Participants

Engaging in a safe group activity with other survivors can provide comfort and reassurance as well as inspiration and hope. Realizing they are not alone, participants can shed the self-image of being different and alien, and shift their focus from trauma to healing. They can begin to rejoin the world around them.

“My whole soul feels good.” “For the first time in my life, my body doesn’t feel like a crime scene.” “I had no idea how disconnected I was from my body before this powerful sense of connection today.” “Finally, I can ground myself.”

Starfish participants report many benefits, including:

Emotional/Behavioral

• improved mood and more light-heartedness
• increased self-confidence
• more hope and belief in capacity to heal
• more connected to and accepting of self
• more compassion; less shame and self-blame
• improved body image, new body memories
• better focus and concentration
• greater ability to stay present
• increased energy
• reduction/cessation of self-harming behaviors
• improved self-regulation; less panic and anxiety

Physical

• improved stamina, strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone

Starfish classes can help people feel better and enjoy life more. Find out what participants and mental health professionals are saying in our testimonials.