How We Heal

“Togetherness Heals”

There are many ways to foster a sense of togetherness, but nothing compares to the profound connection formed through face-to-face interactions with those who truly understand your experiences and emotions. While therapy and online support groups, like those on Facebook, play vital roles in addressing adoption trauma or the discovery of a Non-Parental Event (NPE), nothing can replace the depth of personal, in-person connections. As Brené Brown eloquently puts it, this connection is "the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship."

Hiraeth Hope and Healing retreats are intentionally designed to create these spaces—where individuals can be fully seen and heard, enabling collective healing. Research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that social support and a sense of belonging significantly reduce stress, lower the risk of heart disease, and improve overall quality of life. It’s evident that positive relationships are key to healing. By coming together as a community, we not only support individual transformation but also encourage collective healing.

"Call it a family, call it a community, call it a support system. Whatever you name it, we all need people who make us feel connected and understood." —Inspired by Jane Howard