Although this retreat explores the impact of trauma and ways to move forward, it is not a therapeutic program or a treatment for trauma or physical pain. It is recommended that those who have experienced significant trauma and chronic pain have appropriate professional or other support in place prior to taking part.

The retreat days are offered by JISA Canisius Spiritual Director, Guy Yeomans with guest presenters Rebecca McCabe and Philip Siddall.

Guy Yeomans is drawn to support others to discover Ignatian Spirituality from being “so blessed by it… after a dark night of the soul”. Guy has completed the full Spiritual Exercises and trained as a Spiritual Director and Giver of the Exercises at the Jesuit Center in Pennsylvania, USA. His eclectic careers include a teacher, Member of Parliament, Public Relations consultant, and CEO of Anglican Schools. In 2005 he became pastor at St Ives Baptist Church (retired 2016) and is now a member of the JISA Canisius team.

Rebecca McCabe has over 25 years of experience in working with people with various pain conditions. She has co-authored three books and has presented her research at many national and international conferences. She operates her own physiotherapy practice and is the president of a multidisciplinary health centre in Strathfield. Rebecca’s latest research focuses on the concept of post-traumatic growth. Rebecca was a Sister of Mercy for 26 years and her work continues to be shaped and guided by the Gospel imperative of compassion, and her experience of making the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius.

Philip Siddall has been working as a researcher and clinician in the field of pain management for over 30 years and is co-author of three books written for people with chronic pain. He has a particular interest in the concept of posttraumatic growth and has worked as part of a team to develop two successful programs that are based on the principles of this concept – one for people with chronic pain and another for people with spinal cord injury. He is a member of St Barnabas Church Broadway and has benefited from his experience of Ignatian Spirituality and applied it to his professional and personal life.