Healing the Wounds of History offers a process for people from cultures in conflict with legacies of historical trauma to work through their cultural inheritance in an integrative way. The model combines intercultural communication, conflict resolution and ethno-therapy with the expressive arts. Founded in 1989 by Armand Volkas, Healing the Wounds of History has brought together Jews and Germans, Palestinians and Israelis, Japanese, Chinese and Koreans and other polarized groups to transform the pain of shared historical legacies into constructive action.

Each of us has been touched by the hand of historical trauma, either directly or indirectly. How do we prevent the rage, guilt and shame of one generation from haunting generations to come? To be truly understood historical trauma needs to be retold and experienced in a personal way. By providing a bridge between the personal and the collective experience, the expressive arts help people to untangle complex webs of feeling, heal deep wounds and put ghosts of history to rest. We invite people from different generations, nationalities, and cultures to gather together for a day to acknowledge, reflect upon, and take steps towards healing their personal and collective wounds.

Join us in an effort to work through the layers of the unresolved feelings we carry about each other. Participate in a workshop where we explore what it means to be an emotional pioneer who helps pave the way for others to follow.

Upcoming and Past Events

Armand Volkas' Keynote Speech

Playing Role of Mediator: Acting for Peace (Associated Press article)