Eleison welcomes the fourth cohort of the Healing and Resilience after Trauma (HaRT) program. In collaboration with the HaRT non-profit organization and the University of Alabama, this is the first cohort after which research on the program’s impact on survivors’ mental health and social well-being has concluded. After its initial launch in June 2022, HaRT has been a tremendous success, completing three cohorts of a 12-week group mental health program that combines mindfulness, mind-body practices, and supportive group discussions to address three core themes: safety in the body, radical self-love, and healthy relationships.
HaRT was established to provide survivors with a free, accessible, and community-based alternative form of mental health support that is culturally sensitive and inclusive, with a concentration on assisting marginalized communities. Its implementation demonstrates Eleison’s commitment to providing survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence with trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and community-based mental health care.
In HaRT, participants will gain a holistic understanding of their mental health and well-being by learning how to take care of their bodies, incorporating techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate resilience. Participants will also be able to connect with others and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This sense of community can be incredibly healing for those who have experienced trauma, as it reduces feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging.
In previous cohorts, participants reported substantial improvements in their mental health and well-being, citing feelings of physical relaxation, social acceptance, and emotional support. During and after the sessions, they report feeling less anxious, more at ease, and visibly kinder to themselves. Additionally, they mentioned enhancing their interpersonal relationships and learning to establish personal boundaries.
Eleison is committed to ensuring everyone has access to mental health services, and the HaRT program is one way of fulfilling that mission. By providing evidence-based, culturally-sensitive care to survivors, we can help eliminate barriers to mental health treatment and resources, mainstream psychosocial support services, and elevate mental health to a public priority.
We are currently raising funds for the next three cohorts of HaRT. Please donate here or here.
