The healing centered approach comes from a place of intentionality about help and change. It focuses collectively on the individuals’ well-being, rather than the problem/trauma that may surround them. Many times, we find ourselves seeking help and feeling misunderstood or judged. Ending up in the same negative cycle.

This happens when the individual is treated from the surface, rather than “strengthening the roots of well-being”. (Ginwright, 2018). This negative continuous cycle is powered because the oppressed and impacted individual lacks the opportunity and support to seek proper help. “Healing work presents an opportunity to intervene in cycles of trauma that have been passed down from one generation to the next.” (M. Chavez-Diaz, 2015). Healing centered is meant to focus on helping the individual’s needs, growth, and prosperity; all while doing it with compassion and empathy. Acknowledging it involves culture, encouraging power, building a healthy identity, and creating hope. The community is only as good as the individuals that shape it. A healing centered approach generates individuals that care and are motivated to show up for someone else. Creating and supporting this kind of approach is important for making our communities prosper and more whole. “It is about empowering people to bring about changes into the system.” (Ginwright, 2018). We must remain vigilant and hopeful for a better future for our communities.

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References:
Shawn Ginwright, “The Future of Healing: Shifting from Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement,” May 31, 2018, https://ginwright.medium.com/the-future-of-healing-shifting-from-trauma-informed-care-to-healing-centered-engagement-634f557ce69c.Authors: M. Chavez-Diaz, N. Lee (Shawn Ginwright, Ph.D., Advisor, “A Conceptual Mapping of Healing CenteredYouth Organizing,”For Urban Peace Movement, 2015, http://urbanpeacemovement.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/HealingMapping_FINALVERSION.pdf.