Appendix A
People who Influenced the Development of Healing-Centered Engagement
Audre Lorde was a writer, feminist, and civil rights activist influential in the development of healing-centered approaches to addressing trauma and oppression. She emphasized the need for self-care and self-love in healing, community and collective action, and creative expression and storytelling as tools for transforming trauma into healing and resilience. Learn more about her work.
bell hooks was an author, feminist, and social activist whose work highlighted the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, and how they contribute to trauma. She advocated for self-reflection and critical consciousness in the healing process, as well as healing that is grounded in the cultural traditions and practices of the communities being served. Learn more about her work.
James Baldwin was a writer, poet, and social critic known for his writings on race, identity, and sexuality. His contribution to healing-centered engagement lies in his commitment to acknowledge and address the emotional and psychological impact of systemic oppression. He also stressed the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts that shape our experiences and identities. Learn more about his work.
Angela Davis is an author, professor, and political activist who has been influential in the civil rights movement and an advocate for other social issues. Her work emphasizes the role of political action and activism in healing, and she has worked to center the experiences and voices of marginalized communities in the healing process.
Learn more about her work.
Many examples of healing-centered engagement can be found in healing circles rooted in indigenous culture, where youth share their stories about healing and learn about their connection to their ancestors and traditions. Examples can also be found in drumming circles rooted in African cultural principles. Read about some of the people who work to address trauma through cultural practices in indigenous communities below.
Eduardo Duran, PhD, is a psychologist who has worked extensively with indigenous communities to develop culturally relevant approaches to addressing historical trauma, integrating traditional indigenous practices such as storytelling, ceremony, and connection to the natural word. Learn more about his work.
Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, PhD, is a clinical social worker recognized for her role in promoting awareness of historical trauma and its ongoing impact on indigenous peoples. She has developed several trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to healing in Native American communities.
Learn more about her work.
Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD, is an author, physician, and psychiatrist who has worked to integrate traditional indigenous healing practices with western medical and mental health interventions. He has written extensively about the power of storytelling in promoting healing and wellness for indigenous communities. Learn more about his work.
