Common Threads Project

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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 sexual 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 gather 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.

06/26/2026

June holds three dates we carry close.

June 19 — International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
June 20 — World Refugee Day
June 26 — International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Each observance names a different form of harm. And yet the survivors we walk alongside every day know that these experiences rarely arrive alone — conflict, displacement, and torture weave together in ways that defy neat categories.
This month, we honor every person who has survived what should never happen. And we recommit to the work of providing care, and to building the spaces where healing becomes possible.

Learn more about our work at the link in bio.

06/23/2026

We are proud to release the Common Threads Project 2025 Community Impact Report.

This report is about more than metrics — it is a testament to what becomes possible when survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are met with care that honors both their trauma and their humanity.

In 2025, we held 22 healing circles across 7 program sites, reaching 220+ survivors in Ecuador, Nepal, Nigeria, Ukraine, and the United States. We trained 44 new facilitators — including 13 at the senior level — who will carry this trauma-processing model forward into their communities. And we witnessed healing ripple outward: 78.9% of participant respondents reported that family and community members noticed positive changes in them since beginning the program.

Read the full report and see the impact your support makes: https://commonthreadsproject.org/resources/2025-community-impact-report

05/22/2026

Story, stitch, and healing — a night in Harlem.

On May 19th, we gathered with community members and partners at The Kota Alliance to explore arts-based trauma recovery. We stitched, we moved, and imagined what it looks like to bring this work to survivors right here in NYC.

Every gift makes a difference: $26/month supports a mother's childcare so she can attend weekly therapy and $52/month supports two facilitators leading a healing session

Watch the reel and consider donating. Link in bio.

05/18/2026

Mental health is a human right.

The UN Human Rights Council recently adopted a landmark resolution recognizing the urgent need for equitable access to mental health care, especially for communities affected by crisis and trauma. From community-based services to stronger support for children and youth, this resolution marks an important step forward.

But there is still much work to be done.

At Common Threads Project, we remain committed to expanding access to mental health support for survivors around the world.

Learn more about our work at www.commonthreadsproject.org

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re honoring the strength of mothers and the importance of supporting their healing.

At Common Threads Project, mothers impacted by gender-based violence rebuild connections and achieve lasting healing. Their recovery creates lasting impact for their children, families, and communities.

A monthly contribution of
- $26 sponsors a mother participating in six months of consistent, trauma-informed care.
- $52/month helps one mother’s participation and also supports one dedicated facilitator providing this care.

Join us: https://commonthreadsproject.org/donate

04/24/2026

When you feel overwhelmed or dysregulated, try the ‘Swaddle and Sway.'’ Join Dr. Rachel Cohen, Founder and Clinical Director of Common Threads Project, as she shares a gentle somatic practice, offering a moment to pause and restore a sense of calm and balance.

Common Threads Project supports survivors of sexual and gender-based violence through arts-based group healing, both locally and globally. In 2026, 18 healing circles across four countries have brought survivors together in connection and recovery, from Nigeria to Ukraine. In these circles, facilitators begin with simple practices that help participants reconnect with their bodies and feel more grounded.

This technique was inspired by a Somatic Experiencing posture developed by Dr. Peter Levine.

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.

04/05/2026

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

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

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.

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https://commonthreadsproject.org/

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