Many leading clinicians have written about the various ways trauma can be healed through both traditional and alternative therapies. We know that everyone heals different and Joyful Heart's approach to trauma recovery is based on providing an array of healing modalities to survivors. Another important component of our work is that it is done in a community setting.

Experiencing restorative activities in a group setting has been shown to deepen their impact. Dr. Judith Herman offers an explanation in her book Trauma and Recovery:

"Traumatic events destroy the sustaining bonds between individual and community. Those who have survived learn that their sense of self, of worth, of humanity, depends upon a feeling of connection to others… Trauma isolates; the group re-creates a sense of belonging. Trauma shames and stigmatizes; the group bears witness and affirms. Trauma degrades a victim; the group exalts her… Repeatedly in the testimony of survivors there comes a moment when a sense of connection is restored by another person's unaffected display of generosity. Something in herself that the victim believes to be irretrievably destroyed-faith, decency, courage-is reawakened. Mirrored in the actions of others, the survivor recognizes and reclaims a lost part of herself."

At Joyful Heart, we envision a community that is strong enough not to turn away from the epidemics of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. We envision a community that endeavors to shed a light of healing, hope and courageous awareness into the darkness that surrounds these issues. We envision a community that says to a survivor, "We hear you. We believe you. We feel for you. You are not alone. And your healing is our priority."

The cornerstones of our community are safety, trust, diversity and continual support. We believe it takes courage and strength to survive, seek help and heal from violence. We are committed to the population we serve and to deeply listening to their needs and responding with compassion and non-judgment.

As an organization, we operate in a tender place between interrupting isolation and honoring boundaries. We seek to create safe, open and restorative spaces as sanctuary for those we serve and for ourselves. We humbly recognize ourselves as part of a much larger community striving for freedom from suffering.

While many of Joyful Heart's programs are based in our three hubs of New York, Los Angeles and Hawaii, we know that our community of survivors and supporters extends around the world. We invite everyone to join our growing online community on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also read our publication, Reunion here.