Humanitarian Projects

Using the principles of Energy Psychology, I have assisted with a broad range of humanitarian efforts throughout the world; including short and long-range assignments that focus on self-help, social responsibility and community participation. For the past four years, I have worked with Dr. Roshan Billimoria, the former Chairperson of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organisations and the UN/NGO representative at the Peace Summit in Iceland, with President’s Reagan and Gorbachev. This has helped me to develop the leadership qualities, skills and networks required to envisage and establish a global humanitarian project, which includes healing the trauma and loss arising from conflict and natural disasters and the stress to individuals and families resulting from engagement in combat. As part of this project, I was invited, in 2008, to be part of a pioneering pilot programme team to develop a project for active servicemen and their families who are suffering from the effects of combat-induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  The first phase of this project took place in August 2008, at Columbus, Georgia, USA, working with active servicemen and veterans and their families, including First Gulf War and Vietnam War veterans. Since 2005, I have been part of a mediation and social change group called ‘Facing Forward’ which is working towards introducing and integrating restorative justice into the judicial system in Ireland. Other humanitarian projects include: 2008: ARC (Addiction Rehabilitation Centre-Crumlin) Working with people on the Phoenix programme, recovering from drug abuse, by teaching them life skills, including communication and effective listening, and techniques for stress management. July 2008: Moscow, Russia I was invited to Moscow to train Russian facilitators interested in exploring the work of Tapas Acupressure Technique® (Read more). While I was there, I visited a hospital to provide a pro bono workshop and consultation for the Palliative Care Team, including Doctors of Oncology and Psychologists, founders of a children’s hospice, and the founder of The Sofia Foundation which cares for the elderly and orphans. June 2006: Pakistan. Humanitarian and relief work in Balakot, Peshawar (in North West Frontier Province), Muzzafarabad (in Kashmir) and Islamabad, following the earthquake of October 2005. This involved offering on-site training workshops with the following national and international NGO’s: Just Peace International Sahil Sachet Human Development Foundation Afghan Consulate for refugees Abbasi Institute (hospital) October 2005: Hopi, Arizona. Dialogue and consultation with community and cultural leaders, social/youth workers and residents of the Hopi reservation, focused on concerns of cultural identity; appropriate education; mineral and water rights; issues of collaboration and conflict with neighbouring communities (including and with Navajo/Dine, Tewa/Zuni tribal structures) as well as liaison with dominant Anglo culture and its mechanisms of governance. 2005-2008: Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre, Ireland. I worked on the panel of facilitators for the Peace Education programme where, as part of the team, I educated groups of teenagers in communication skills, conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership skills. Led workshops for the staff and volunteers on techniques for self-care and how to maintain one’s vitality and energy. Also offered education on the values and essential working principles of Nonviolent Communication and Empathic Listening. I am currently working as a facilitator on the “Sustainable Peace Project”, working in association with Wilhelm Verwoerd.