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

"Self Care" with Christina Ganz, Psy.D

Artwork together

"Release, Transform, and Celebrate" through drumming with Donna Davis

Watching sunrises together, thanks Dwana!

Preparing meals together

"Allies and Intersections" with Cassandra Adams

Enjoying the homes' amenities together

Q & A with Rebecca Autumn Sansom after viewing her documentary 'Reckoning With The Primal Wound'

Drumming together

"Unlost" - regaining a sense of belonging with Jennie Sandberg, M.Ed., M.S., BCBA, LABA, CTRC
Art together

Writing together

"Embracing Your Narrative" with Eve Sturges, LMFT
Playing games together

Lots of HUGS!

Watching sunsets together

"Coping with Trauma" with Susanna Spanton

Painting together

Drumming with Susannah Spanton

"Reconnecting Body and Emotion" with Dr. Jai, PhD

"Holistic Healing" with Tracy Eisenman, RMT

Playing games together

Releasing trauma together

Singing together, with Zara Phillips

Writing together with Linda Pevac

Painting together

Unpacking secrets together with Amy Barker, LMHC and Jennifer Joy Phoenix, LSWAIC

Sound baths together with Hope Sacher

Lots of HUGS!