Common Threads Project

Common Threads Project Common Threads offers a path to psychological recovery for women who have survived gender-based violence, war, and displacement.

We believe that all survivors of s*xual and gender based violence (not only women of privilege) deserve a culturally responsive, survivor-centered opportunity for deep and lasting psychological recovery. We have designed a comprehensive program for survivors of SGBV that integrates traditional healing practices with psycho-education and trauma-informed treatment. In Common Threads circles, women g

ather to support one another and sew their unspeakable experiences as images in cloth (story cloths). This ancient practice creates a safe space for disclosing and processing trauma. Common Threads collaborates with local organizations to train local facilitators to adapt the program for their community and lead the women's circles. Participants reduce their symptoms of distress and gain coping skills, reclaim their voices and sense of agency, and discover solidarity with other survivors. Over time they develop their own self-led ongoing support group.

This April, we are thinking about Tally Tripp’s legacy of trauma-survivor renewal through the work we do at CTP.Tally’s ...
04/09/2026

This April, we are thinking about Tally Tripp’s legacy of trauma-survivor renewal through the work we do at CTP.

Tally’s birthday falls in this season of renewal—fitting for someone who devoted her life to supporting healing. Through her work with CTP, and alongside partners in Africa, she helped create space for survivors of gender-based violence to express the unspeakable, and to rebuild their mental health—and their communities.

She believed healing wasn’t immediate. It was something nurtured, developing over time, much like spring’s floral bounty signals the end of winter.

To learn more about the trauma recovery work she championed, visit the link in our bio.

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! May this day of renewal be filled with hope, peace, and love.
04/05/2026

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! May this day of renewal be filled with hope, peace, and love.

Join Voice and Trauma on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET for A Conversation on Human Trafficking with our Co-Founde...
04/03/2026

Join Voice and Trauma on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET for A Conversation on Human Trafficking with our Co-Founder and Clinical Director, Rachel A. Cohen, and voice coach Mayo Ortiz, MM.

This webinar is part of an ongoing series exploring the connection between trauma and the human voice. It brings together practitioners who support individuals whose traumatic experiences have impacted their ability to express themselves—both emotionally and physically.

In this conversation, Rachel will share how our trauma therapy helps survivors of trafficking reclaim their voice. Mayo will also speak about her work using singing and vocal practices with trafficked youth in the Philippines.

While these approaches are different, they share a common goal: restoring voice, agency, and expression after trauma.

Learn more and find event details: https://www.voiceandtrauma.com/events

Chag Pesach Sameach! Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful Passover. May this season of liberation and reflection be fi...
04/01/2026

Chag Pesach Sameach! Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful Passover. May this season of liberation and reflection be filled with community and connection.

Today, National Transgender Day of Visibility, we recognize the importance of being seen—not only in identity, but in fu...
03/31/2026

Today, National Transgender Day of Visibility, we recognize the importance of being seen—not only in identity, but in full expression. At Common Threads Project, we have learned that healing is not only about recovery: It is about restoring the ability to express one’s story, identity, and future.

This story cloth was made by a Nepalese participant. It illustrates the story of how he came to embrace his identity as a trans man and found community.

Comment and share to support visibility and healing

03/28/2026

We are deeply saddened by the killing of Iraqi feminist Yanar Mohammed.

Trained as an architect, she built something extraordinary: the first women’s shelters in Iraq, sanctuaries where women could escape honor killing, gender-based violence, s*x trafficking, and fear.

She died earlier this month after an attack outside her North Baghdad home. She was murdered for her activism in defence of women and girls.

Her loss is devastating for the women of Iraq and beyond. While her life was brief, her legacy remains.

She knew what we see every day at Common Threads Project—healing cannot begin without safety. It is the foundation on which healing, recovery, and agency are built.

Video courtesy of Nobel Women's Initiative. Watch the full clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBIJIbdVl_8

Sajha Dhago—“common threads”—has grown from a Common Threads Project initiative into an independent Nepali organization ...
03/27/2026

Sajha Dhago—“common threads”—has grown from a Common Threads Project initiative into an independent Nepali organization advancing trauma recovery at scale.

In 2025 alone, the team trained clinicians independently, mentored peers in Seattle, and expanded healing circles to women facing menstrual isolation. Today, they reach 380+ survivors annually, with a 95% measurable improvement in emotional well-being.

Join us in celebrating their work in trauma recovery with local leadership, expanding capacity, and healing that endures.

Throughout history, women have turned to textiles to tell their stories. Each story sewn bears witness to a deeply perso...
03/25/2026

Throughout history, women have turned to textiles to tell their stories. Each story sewn bears witness to a deeply personal history, passed on for future generations to hold.

At Common Threads Project, we integrate a time-old tradition within a group therapy program for survivors of gender-based violence, conflict, and displacement. Join us in honoring women historymakers and share this post!

You can view the stories of survivors in our online exhibition the Fabric of Healing: https://bit.ly/3pOChbM

We wish a happy and safe Nowruz to all who are celebrating. May the new year bring peace, health, and happiness. This st...
03/20/2026

We wish a happy and safe Nowruz to all who are celebrating. May the new year bring peace, health, and happiness.

This story cloth, made by refugees in Sedra, Bosnia depicts the annual celebration:

“The yellow cube symbolizes the table that is set during the celebration of the Iranian traditional New Year. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year according to the Iranian calendar. Seven S is the name for the symbolic table that is being prepared for the new year because the number 7 is a lucky number and therefore there are 7 items on the table that start with the letter S and each of which carries a certain symbolism associated with good health and happiness in the New Year.”

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, we wish all who celebrate Eid Mubarak! May today be a day for community, ...
03/20/2026

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, we wish all who celebrate Eid Mubarak! May today be a day for community, celebration, peace, and hope.

For survivors of gender-based violence, access to mental health care is not separate from justice—it is essential to it....
03/19/2026

For survivors of gender-based violence, access to mental health care is not separate from justice—it is essential to it.

At this year’s UN Commission on the Status of Women ( ), survivors stood alongside global leaders to push for greater access to justice for women and girls. At a side event co-hosted by Mukwege Foundation, their voices were clear: before justice can be pursued, survivors need safe spaces to speak, to heal, and to be heard.

At Common Threads Project, we remain committed to creating safe spaces and building pathways to healing around the world.

Learn more about our work on our website: https://commonthreadsproject.org/why-trauma-healing-matters

Trailblazing psychiatrist Judith Herman's research underpins much of the work we do at Common Threads Project.In 1992, s...
03/18/2026

Trailblazing psychiatrist Judith Herman's research underpins much of the work we do at Common Threads Project.

In 1992, she published the pioneering book Trauma and Recovery. In it, she laid out a phased approach for trauma treatment, which CTP follows. Dr. Herman understood that group work is essential in helping survivors to overcome stigma and shame, and that action for social change is a final step in the healing process.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Herman’s legacy by sharing this post.

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