Our Philosophy

Trauma is an ever-growing public health issue that requires extensive public education. Changing healthcare and community culture hinges on increasing understanding and recognition of the lifelong impact of trauma on people’s physical, mental and behavioural health, and the resulting social outcomes.

This transformation requires a paradigm shift for helping professionals, community service providers, and organizations, which recognizes the significance of trauma and the importance of a whole-person approach when addressing the impacts of trauma.

Rituals for Recovery recognizes the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in shaping adult behaviour and health. We promote trauma-responsive SEL and resilience-building practices and policies in all systems, organizations, and communities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Rituals for Recovery relies on a trauma-informed framework to support those who have been impacted by trauma and adversity. This framework is adopted from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and is based on the following six principles:

Safety

Our service delivery and organizational structure are built to be trauma-sensitive. Therefore, we provide an environment that protects the physical and psychological safety of our clients and staff.

Trustworthiness and Transparency

We conduct organizational operations and decision-making with clarity and transparency to build and maintain trust among supporters, staff, volunteers, clients, and family members of those receiving services.

Peer Support and Mutual Self-Help

We integrate trauma survivors into our organization and learn from their lived experiences to develop peer support programs and services that are reliable, guarantee client safety, and empower them to recover and heal.

Collaboration and Mutuality

Lasting recovery requires cooperation, meaningful sharing of power, and mutual decision-making. We stand by the healing of trauma through community and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

Each client's experiences and needs are unique. With this in mind, we preserve personal preferences, include clients in decision-making, and work with them to develop personalized treatment plans.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

We actively defy cultural stereotypes and biases, offer gender-responsive services, leverage the healing value of traditional cultural connections, and recognize and address historical trauma.