Project – STAR Trauma Healing Training for War-Affected Communities in Klaipėda lithuanian

Project Overview

The Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation (CDCT) at LCC International University implemented a grant-funded initiative, supported by PC(USA), it focused on trauma awareness, resilience-building, and community healing among war-affected and migrant populations in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The project delivered a 2½-day trauma healing training course (November 14–16, 2025) based on evidence-based resources from the Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) and Addressing the Impact and Trauma of Migration (AITM at ) programs. Responding to Lithuania’s refugee influx of over 53,000 individuals, the training brought together 19 participants—including students, practitioners, and community members from diverse national backgrounds—to create a space for connection, learning, and transformation, while strengthening trauma awareness, resilience, and culturally sensitive approaches to community integration.

The 3-Day Journey: From Safety to Action

Responding to the ongoing realities of displacement and migration in Lithuania—home to tens of thousands of refugees, including a significant Ukrainian population—the training created a structured, human-centered space to explore trauma, identity, and belonging. Led by accredited facilitators Naomi Enns and Anna Dovbyk, it used non-formal and experiential methods to support both cognitive understanding and relational and, somatic processing of trauma. The program combined neuroscience-informed frameworks with listening circles, emphasizing personal healing alongside community transformation.

Day 1: Building Safety & Resilience

Focused on creating group agreements, support mapping, life story sharing , and identifying “Symbols of Resilience and Hope” through embodied exercises.

Day 2: Trauma Awareness

Explored the stress/trauma journey, “Rivers of Life”, cycles of unaddressed trauma via the STAR Model, and physical grounding techniques for body awareness

Day 3: Healing & Hope

Addressed the "Ulysses Syndrome" of migration via the Snail Model, developed "Healing-Centered Action" plans, and utilized various exercises along with the Tree of Life to map future resilience.

Key Tools & Resources

Each participant received a context-appropriate manual designed by the facilitators which drew from AITM and STAR resources. This resource included:

Trauma-releasing exercises and psychological first aid.
Body, mind, and spirit regulation tools and reflection prompts.
The Trauma Journey and Cycles of Conflict along with elements specific to migration.
Methodologies for compassionate listening and peacebuilding circles to foster safe environments for transformation.

Transformative Impacts & Breakthroughs

"Creating these spaces where participants can process such a difficult topic empowers them, bringing strength and transformation — with the potential to impact the circles around them and the wider campus community." — Anna Dovbyk, Facilitator

Personal Breakthroughs

“Empowering and insightful.”

Broadened Perspectives

“This kind of training is important for building awareness and compassion in our community”

Professional Growth

"I learned practical ways to support resilience... strengthening my confidence for future work"

Sustainability & Future Outreach

Self-Care Plans: Participants committed to ongoing personal and community-based practices.
“Nurturing Hope” Hub: Four participants continue with monthly mentoring to support resilience in conflict-affected communities.
Long-term Integration: Trauma-informed approaches are being embedded into LCC courses, counseling, and dialogue programs.

Closing affirmation

This ongoing work reflects CDCT’s commitment to sustainable impact—equipping local leaders to carry trauma-informed practices into their communities. “Resilience is our song. Together, we rise, rebuild, and reconnect.”

�ٸ��1000