About the Institute for Healing Memories
The Institute for the Healing of Memories seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations. Our work is grounded in the belief that we are all in need of healing, because of what we have done, what we have failed to do, and what has been done to us.
Since the 1990s, we have facilitated workshops that enable people from different ethnic groups, races and religions to reach a better understanding of themselves and each other. In a safe, supportive space, guided by expert facilitators, participants are helped to confront sources of alienation, misunderstanding and personal suffering.
The workshop has grown out of South Africa’s unique history and our need to remain attentive to how our divided past can impact on us both individually and as communities and a nation. We believe that when personal stories are heard and acknowledged, individuals feel healed and empowered. Through deep listening and meaningful sharing, human relationships can be transformed and restored.
Over the years we have worked with people with a rich diversity of backgrounds. Most recently we have found that the workshop is very effective for helping American veterans who have been affected psychologically and spiritually by the memories of their combat experiences to make a major step forward in their healing. This has included veterans from all eras from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
