Wars, Genocide, Displacement
Services for Survivors of War, Genocide, Displacement, and Refugees, Including Child Soldiers
Healing, Advocacy, and Empowerment Through Somatic Therapy
As the founder of the Somatic Trauma Recovery Center, I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to create a sanctuary for survivors of war, genocide, displacement, and forced migration, including former child soldiers. My own journey of surviving three wars, living as a refugee, and being trained as a child soldier at 14 has shaped every aspect of our mission. This center is not just a place of healing—it is a legacy built on resilience, compassion, and the belief that recovery is possible.
Our Therapeutic Offerings
- Somatic Experiencing Therapy
We focus on helping clients process and release trauma stored in the body through gentle, body-centered practices that re-regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety. - Movement and Dance-Based Trauma Therapy
Movement is a key component of our healing approach, offering a way to release tension, reconnect with the body, and express emotions through mindful motion in a safe and supportive space. - Nervous System Regulation
Using polyvagal-informed techniques, breathwork, and somatic exercises, we guide clients from a state of hypervigilance or shutdown into one of calm and balance, building the foundation for long-term healing. - Somatic Touch Therapy
Trauma-sensitive touch helps release deeply held tension and fosters safety, connection, and integration of traumatic experiences. - Holistic Workshops and Experiential Retreats
Our immersive workshops and retreats offer a blend of somatic therapy, mindfulness practices, and community support, creating a nurturing environment for healing and self-discovery.
Advocacy and Human Rights
At the Somatic Trauma Recovery Center, our mission extends beyond individual therapy. We are committed to advocating for the dignity and rights of trauma survivors, particularly those affected by war, violence, and displacement. Our advocacy work focuses on protecting privacy, empowering survivors to reclaim their voices, and collaborating with human rights organizations to raise awareness and create systemic change.
Training and Education for Professionals
Empowering Practitioners to Support Trauma Survivors with Confidence
Many professionals, including therapists, social workers, and educators, encounter feelings of helplessness or uncertainty when working with trauma survivors, particularly those affected by war and displacement. To bridge this gap, we offer specialized training and educational programs that provide practical tools, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on somatic techniques for effectively supporting displaced clients, families, and children.
To extend the impact of our work, I am deeply committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with other professionals who support survivors of war trauma. Many well-intentioned individuals in fields like therapy, social work, and education often encounter feelings of helplessness or uncertainty when working with survivors of war, displacement, and combat. This is especially true for those who lack direct experience or specialized training in the unique challenges these clients face. Recognizing this gap, we offer specialized training and educational programs designed to empower professionals with the skills, understanding, and confidence they need to effectively support trauma survivors.
Our programs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing trauma stored in the body, understanding the complexities of the nervous system, and cultivating a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to care. By blending evidence-based practices with experiential learning, we equip therapists, social workers, educators, and other professionals with practical tools to make a real difference in the lives of their clients. Our training goes beyond theory, focusing on hands-on, somatic techniques and trauma-informed methodologies that are adaptable to diverse client needs and circumstances.
Key Program Offerings:
1.Trauma-Informed Foundations
Our foundational training introduces professionals to the core principles of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the importance of safety, trust-building, and compassionate listening. Participants gain a solid understanding of trauma’s impact on the brain and body, enabling them to approach their work with greater empathy and confidence.
2. Specialized Training for Displaced Clients
Working with individuals and families displaced by war or violence requires a nuanced understanding of their unique needs. Our training covers essential topics, including cultural sensitivity, navigating language barriers, and addressing the specific challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and former child soldiers.
3. Practical Somatic Techniques
Trauma often resides in the body, manifesting as chronic tension, dysregulation, or emotional overwhelm. We teach somatic techniques that professionals can incorporate into their practice to help clients release tension, re-regulate their nervous systems, and begin the process of healing. This hands-on approach empowers professionals to create a deeper, more impactful therapeutic connection.
4. Supporting Child and Adolescent Survivors
Children and teenagers who have survived war and displacement are among the most vulnerable populations. Our specialized training provides professionals with strategies to build trust, foster resilience, and promote healing in young clients. This includes addressing developmental trauma, reintegration into educational settings, and supporting children through their unique healing journeys.
5. Cultural Competence and Advocacy
Effective support for displaced clients requires an understanding of their cultural backgrounds, social norms, and values. Our training emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, guiding professionals in creating respectful, inclusive, and empowering environments. We also provide advocacy training, helping professionals become allies in their clients’ pursuit of human rights, dignity, and social justice.
6.Creating Trauma-Informed Communities
Healing is not an isolated process. We offer guidance on how to foster trauma-informed environments within schools, community centers, and organizations. By building networks of support, professionals can collaborate to create safe spaces where survivors and their families can thrive.
Empowering Professionals for Real-World Impact
Many professionals enter the field driven by a desire to make a difference but can feel overwhelmed by the complexities of trauma. Our training programs bridge the gap between intention and effective action, equipping participants with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and empathetic approach needed to truly support survivors. We believe that with the right tools and guidance, every professional can become a powerful agent of change in the lives of their clients.
By engaging with our training programs, professionals gain the confidence to navigate challenging cases, the skills to create meaningful connections, and the ability to foster hope and healing. Together, we can extend the impact of trauma recovery, creating a ripple effect that transforms not only individual lives but entire communities.
A Legacy of Healing and Empowerment
The Somatic Trauma Recovery Center is a place where war and genocide survivors can find hope and healing and where professionals can gain the tools to support them with confidence. Together, we can transform trauma into resilience, advocate for human dignity, and create a world where survivors thrive with renewed strength, safety, gained dignity and purpose.
If you’re seeking healing or wish to deepen your professional practice, we invite you to join us at the Somatic Trauma Recovery Center. Together, we can create lasting change and a more compassionate world.