Donate to trauma training & support

Urgent Call for Trauma Support and Training

Join the global movement of dinners, restaurants, chefs and food lovers raising funds for trauma support.

Why trauma support?

Now, more than ever, the need for mental health support and increasing numbers of trained individuals to support Farsi-speakers is needed. We have confirmed cases of severe emotional and psychological pain as well as suicide in the country.

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) is providing emergency support as well as training leaders to support their communities locally.

Trainees include therapists, psychologists, physicians, teachers, community activists, college and graduate students, among others, in a grassroots effort.

What is #CookForIran?

A community of food lovers, journalists, chefs, and restaurants who care about the fundamental wellbeing of people and basic freedom. The wish to use their platforms to advocate for the Iranian people and support this crucial support CMBM is providing for Farsi-speakers.

Read more in The Guardian, Big Hospitality, and Tatler.

Why did the #CookForIran team choose CMBM?

What is the CMBM Farsi-Speakers program?

The CMBM team has been building a network of professionals, trained through The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, to facilitate groups and workshops supporting thousands of adults and children of all ages in trauma relief and empowerment. So far, they have trained 80 individuals with support groups and programs already ACTIVE on the ground.

Learn more about the Farsi-Speakers Program here.

Experiences from participants:

“Just as many little girls in the Middle East, I grow in a very harsh situation. I’ve experienced war, I witnessed my grandparents house collapsed in a missile attack. I lost two aunts and one uncle because of the political situation. Now I’m 49 and still see those scenes in my nightmares!!! I wish there had been people who could help me to pass those days easier. To give me the power to protect my soul. And to hold my hands when I was frightened.

“By providing a non-judgemental safe space and using different modalities, one’s underlying sensations and emotions, which were the current underneath unwanted behaviors surface and are expressed, becoming less dominant. One feels more in control and connected to their emotions.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to have brave men participate in our groups. The affect of these very simple techniques was more transforming for our men in the group than it was for women in our group. In a patriarchy, men and women are all victims. Hard to tell which carriers the heavier burden. As women, we have learned to find comfort in communicating our pain with our support group. Our men, on the other hand, are socialized to seem strong and to ignore the pain and hurt at all costs. It was my experience, and male participants expressed in the group that it was the first time for them to feel safe enough to express their most agonizing, inner, old wounds . The transformation was so inordinate and very impressive to me as a facilitator.”

How does the virtual training of Farsi-speakers work?

1. 5-day Initial Professional Training

2. 5-Day Advanced Training

3. Receiving supervision from CMBM faculty while they begin facilitating groups in their communities for adults and kids

4. Writing 3 papers reflecting on their own process, the science of mind-body medicine, and learning from those they are serving

5. Certification Track completion (5-day training)

6. Leadership training (2-day)

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine combines modern science, wise tradition, and human connection to create a powerful new medicine centered on an evidence-based and timeless concept: self-care and group support. They are teaching thousands to heal millions—and by teaching the teachers first, they ensure that they bring the spirit of their model, as well as the specific practices, to the individuals, families, and communities whom they serve. Mind-body skills are scientifically validated to reduce stress and restore physical and psychological health. The mind-body approach heals individual trauma and builds community-wide resilience.

"Our mission is to help communities around the world develop the tools they need to heal population-wide trauma and build resilience. We collaborate with community leaders to co-create trauma-relief and resilience-building programs that are responsive to the community’s experiences, needs, goals, and culture. Our programs provide a thorough understanding of the science of mind-body medicine and self-care, and a supportive small group experience, in which trainees practice evidence-based techniques that restore physiological and psychological balance, enhance self-awareness and compassion and enable the skillful use of this approach with others. At the same time, we help bring together partners to build each community’s capacity to sustain their healing and create a culture of well-being."