About Anita

Anita Milicevic came to Australia as a refugee from the Balkans war in 2001. Since that time she has completed an Honours degree and a PhD in Psychology at Victoria University. Concurrent with the 3.5 years of her PhD study, she has held positions as a Family Therapist, Disability Worker, Community Worker, Youth Justice Worker as well as working as a Lecturer in Psychology.  Anita is passionate about research and she is particularly driven by a need to understand the interconnection of the psychological, social and political dimensions of trauma. Her enthusiasm and commitment to working in the area of compassion and reconciliation was recognised by the Victorian Refugee Recognition Record for outstanding efforts and commendable achievements to the community and the State of Victoria. Anita works as the Head of Social Sciences at Endeavour College in Melbourne.

About the Workshop

Through meditation, introspective reflection and in-depth discussion, this workshop will explore the four Buddhist heart practices – the cultivation of loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and impartiality. These ancient contemplative skills provide a practical and compassionate way to transform suffering. In this workshop, Anita will share her own journey from the abyss of trauma along the path of healing through to the cultivation of wellbeing and genuine happiness. Participants will gain an understanding of post-traumatic stress and complex trauma and the path to recovery, resilience and flourishing. The workshop will be interactive, flexible and gently nurturing. It will shed light on ancient wisdom, the ground of courage and boundless love that has often been neglected in clinical treatments. Participants will be invited to share their experiences if they wish and potentially gain guidance from the experiences of others and the workshop leader. The importance of such sharing cannot be overstated. The overall aim of this workshop is to enrich the skills of professionals who work with trauma as well as benefit those who are on a personal journey of transformation and growth. Participation reaches beyond mere intellectual knowledge and delves into the heart of experiential learning and knowing. In order to heal the world we need to heal ourselves first.

About the Schedule 

9:00 –  9:40      Welcome – introductions and overview

9:40 – 10:40     A look at Trauma – input and discussion

10:40 – 11:00     Tea Break

11:00 – 11:25     Guided meditation

11:25 – 12:30     Reflection and in-depth discussion

12:30 – 13:30     Lunch Break

13:30 – 14:30     Resilience and Recovery: learning from each other

14:30 – 15:10     Virtues of the heart – applying the learning

15:10 – 15:30     Tea Break

15:30 – 15:55     Four Fold Vision Quest – meditation

15:55 – 16:40     Closing questions and evaluation

16:40 – 16:55     A short video