Co-Founder of the Peaceful Heart Network, co-creator of the First Aid Stress & Trauma (FAST), Trauma Tapping Technique and author of the book with the same title. Journalist, shiatsu practitioner.

"In 2006, after having finished my training in the Tapping method called Thought Field Therapy (TFT), I contacted Professor of Psychology and Trauma Expert Dr. Carl Johnson. We traveled to Rwanda and Burundi to work with orphan survivors of the genocide. The Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) derives from those experiences.

Inspired by the results, I founded Peaceful Heart Network together with Ulf Sandström and colleagues in Rwanda. Our main aim is to empower survivors of war and other atrocities by sharing TTT, to heal the memories of the past."

Co-Founder of the Peaceful Heart Network, co-creator of the First Aid Stress & Trauma (FAST), Trauma Tapping Technique and author of the book with the same title. Hypnotherapist and musician.

"I was working as a musician when I found hypnosis and NLP, and after starting seeing clients I found a need for something pre-verbal, for anxiety, stress and trauma. I found the blog of Gunilla Hamne, traveling in Rwanda and DR Congo, creating trauma relief through a version of tapping. I contacted her, sceptically, and asked her to show it to me next time she was in Sweden.

In our first meeting, where Robert Ntabwoba was present too, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity, speed and efficacy of tapping, observing an overlap with hypnosis by inducing a safe inner space. We started filming training videos, discussing how this tapping modality may reach as many as possible if we specifically construct it for trauma, to be non-verbal and safe enough to qualify as First Aid.

I joined Gunilla in Rwanda a few months later, we founded the Peaceful Heart Network and started writing and producing materials. Here we are, 15 years, 45 countries and 300.000 beneficiaries later. We hope for FAST to reach the same global status as CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. To be a part of every school curriculum. For every human to know how to regulate stress, anxiety and trauma for self and others. If we join forces we can do it. Heimlich did."

East Africa Communication Officer and main trainer for Peaceful Heart in this region

"I lived my life in trauma. I never knew there was anything that could be done about it—I thought this was simply how life was meant to be. Nobody could see it from the outside. 

Then, I met Gunilla in a café in downtown Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. She introduced me to Tapping. That’s when I truly became a human being, experiencing all kinds of feelings—even joy and sadness with tears. I couldn’t cry before. This is why I say: dare to try new things. 

Through this healing process, my communication skills have grown, and today I can share my story, my experiences, and my insights with anyone. And I do. I proudly carry the history of how I overcame pain, violence, poverty, and separation. 

If you live in a house with a mud floor and don’t have enough water to wash, you often go dirty, with mud and soil on your skin—just like the poor children you see in television programs, looking grey and dull. This is how many of us developed jiga, worms under our nails and in our feet. Jiga is very painful. It is also shameful. It is a disease of poverty. 

In the same way, trauma was once something shameful to feel, and we believed it was hard to treat. But today, I know it can be resolved without pain. 

When I experienced the effects of the Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) and breathing exercises, my life changed. I discovered my true mission. This is my path, and I never hesitate to share what I’ve learned. It has given me so much joy to witness others heal and move forward. Most importantly, I now feel love—for myself and for others. 

Today, I give presentations about stress and trauma to businesspeople and health professionals at conferences and universities in different countries. I share TTT wherever I go: with refugees and pastors in Uganda, primary school children in Tanzania, residents of the world’s largest slum, Kibera, in Nairobi, choir members, prisoners, schoolchildren, survivors in every corner of Rwanda, former child soldiers, survivors of sexual violence, orphaned children in Congo, and schools and churches in Pakistan. 

I have realized that I am continuing the legacy of my grandmother, Felicité. She was the one who raised me after my mother died and my father disappeared when I was a baby. My grandmother was a traditional doctor and healer. She treated everyone with the same care and love, regardless of who they were or whether they could pay. I am sure she is proud as she watches me from her place in Heaven."

Psychologist and Researcher in Clinical/Health Psychology (FMBPsS)

"Trauma is one of the biggest challenges we face as individuals and as a global community. Its effects can deeply impact lives, families, and entire societies. As a psychologist, I’m passionate about trauma-informed care and its power to help people heal and transform their lives. That’s why I’m excited to support this symposium in Rwanda with the Peaceful Heart Network—it aligns with everything I stand for, both personally and professionally.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with some of the most vulnerable people in society—people affected by the criminal justice system, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those who often feel forgotten. I believe deeply in the potential within every human being, no matter their circumstances. Everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives and thrive, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right support can make that possible.

Partnering with the Peaceful Heart Network is an incredible opportunity to bring psychological practices together with their community-based, culturally adapted trauma-relief methods. Their work is inspiring—they empower communities to take charge of their healing and break down barriers that prevent recovery. Rwanda, with its remarkable story of resilience and reconciliation, offers lessons for the entire world, and I’m grateful to play a small part in amplifying those lessons through this symposium.

For me, this is more than just an event. It’s a chance to connect research with real-world solutions. I’m passionate about sharing practical, science-based tools with practitioners and community leaders and learning from their insights in return. Together, we can create meaningful change that not only helps individuals but also strengthens communities.

It’s an honor to contribute to this initiative and to work alongside the Peaceful Heart Network and their global partners. I’m committed to supporting people on their journey of healing and helping create a future where hope and resilience triumph over trauma."

John integrates Tapping and Havening with the Gospel of Christ in the refugee camp BidiBidi in northern Uganda.

"In 2017 I attended a trauma healing workshop by Peaceful Heart Network. During the lectures I clearly understood that I was traumatized. I started using the TTT which is the solution. I reached home I was a changed. When I reached home my wife was able to tell that my life had changed. I took her through the TTT and she was very impressed. She also realized that she had been traumatized and after it all, she was healed. The following Sunday I introduced it to the church.

I realized that hardly anyone was free from the bondage of trauma. There were so many testimonies by the end of the session. This touched me so deep and compelled me to begin visiting churches with this teaching along side the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This has always resulted in great holistic healing. What prayers couldn't achieve the TTT swept and what TTT cannot, prayers will clear. Prayers and the TTT both bring healing, but each with it's own task."

Move network International in Kampala, Uganda for teenage mothers

"My name is Derick Ongeiwun, and I lead a small nonprofit called Move NETwork International (MNI) based in Luzira, Kampala, Uganda. Our mission is to equip and empower young people and teenage mothers with life skills for a brighter future.

My passion for supporting teenage mothers comes from a personal place—my sister became a teenage mother at 15. She faced constant conflict with our father, left home, and was abandoned after becoming pregnant. Denied an education and later experiencing a second teenage pregnancy, her life became a series of struggles. Watching her challenges firsthand opened my eyes to the countless girls in Uganda who face similar hardships due to poverty and lack of education.

Teenage mothers often experience overwhelming stress and trauma, particularly those who are victims of rape or forced relationships, with little or no family support. When we started, our focus was on discussing mental health, but the results were limited. That changed when we met Tony Burgess from Humanitarian Havening and the Peaceful Heart Network, who introduced us to Havening and Trauma Tapping Techniques (TTT).

I personally experienced the power of these techniques after surviving a fatal car accident in which someone lost their life. For a long time, I couldn’t sit in the front seat of a car without replaying the traumatic scene in my mind. Havening and TTT helped me process that trauma, and I realized how life-changing they could be for teenage mothers as well.

With the help of Tony and the Peaceful Heart Network, we introduced these techniques through a program called The Circle. It’s a safe space where teenage mothers share their experiences, practice emotional healing, and grow together. The impact has been profound:

• A safe space for healing: The Circle provides a judgment-free environment for mothers to share their struggles and find support.

• Stress and trauma management: Through Havening and TTT, mothers have been able to heal and build resilience.

• Improved parenting: Emotional growth has helped these young mothers care better for their children.

• Social reintegration: Boosted self-esteem allows them to contribute to their families and communities.

• Peer support: Strong networks encourage mothers to advise and uplift one another.

• Leadership and confidence: Many of these young women now lead activities within The Circle, empowering themselves and others.

These changes were unimaginable before we began using Havening and TTT. The techniques have truly transformed the lives of these teenage mothers, giving them the tools to heal, thrive, and inspire others. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey."

Move network International in Kampala, Uganda for teenage mothers

"I'm the program supervisor at Move Network International, a non-profit organization based in Luzira, Kampala, Uganda. Our mission is to equip and empower young people and teenage mothers with life skills for a brighter future.

A Personal Story

My passion for supporting teenage mothers stems from my own experiences as a teenager. At 13, my clan people wanted to marry me off, believing I was mature enough to manage a household. Thankfully, my mother intervened, and I was able to continue my education. However, I witnessed many young girls being forced into marriage, subjected to domestic violence, and lacking the education and skills to support themselves.

Breaking the Cycle of Trauma

In Uganda, teenage mothers often face severe trauma, but they're hesitant to seek help from psychiatrists due to concerns about confidentiality. That's why I'm excited to share my experience with the Havening and Trauma Tapping Techniques (TTP). These self-therapy methods have been instrumental in my own healing journey, particularly during a period of depression.

A Journey of Healing

Under the guidance of Tony Bargess from Humanitarian Havening and the Peaceful Heart Network, I learned to use Self-Havening and TTT. These techniques helped me navigate my challenges, and I've since shared them with teenage mothers at Move Network International. The results have been remarkable, with many showing significant progress in their healing journeys.

Empowering Others

As someone who has walked this path, I'm committed to empowering others to do the same. Through my work at Move Network International, I've seen firsthand the impact that these techniques can have. I'm excited to continue sharing my knowledge and experience with others, helping to break the cycle of trauma and empowering teenage mothers to build brighter futures for themselves.

Trauma therapeut, doing humanitarian refugee work

"As a trauma therapist, I recognized the limitations of talk therapy in addressing trauma. In my quest for effective and gentle methods, I discovered Tapping—a true game changer. I had the privilege of learning these techniques through the Peaceful Heart Network, whose mission to bring accessible trauma relief to those in need deeply resonated with me. Since then, tapping has become an integral part of my practice, helping countless individuals find freedom from their traumas.

In Słupsk, Poland, I worked alongside Aga Kehinde with Ukrainian children displaced by war, conducting sessions for 150 children across three orphanages. The workshops were incredibly successful; the children eagerly embraced the techniques, teaching one another calming and soothing methods. Their quick mastery of these empowering and accessible practices was a testament to tapping’s transformative potential.

Beyond the children, over 600 individuals, including teachers, psychologists, orphanage staff, and social workers, received training to address traumatic stress and support refugee communities.

Today, my work continues in the very heart of the war in Ukraine, where I provide support to both civilians and soldiers navigating the immense challenges of ongoing conflict. This work vividly demonstrates tapping's profound capacity to foster resilience and healing, even amidst the most harrowing circumstances."

TTT and FAST Community trainer in Ngororero and Nyabihu district in western province

"Once, I learned about TTT from the Peaceful Heart Network during my time in Rubavu Prison, where I was unjustly imprisoned on false allegations for five years, from January 2014 to January 2019. I was severely traumatized to the extent that it was hard to comprehend.

The four major traumatic symptoms I experienced were:

• Nosebleeds

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches

• Hypertension

After my first TTT session, I felt sleepy and tired but also deeply relaxed. Encouraged by this relief, I began to practice TTT with some of my fellow inmates to address the trauma and stress caused by imprisonment.

Recognizing that emotional and traumatic stress could be resolved through the simple yet effective TTT method, I reflected: "To hide such a simple and freely accessible healing technique would be like hiding a cure for cancer or HIV if God has revealed it to me!"

Motivated by this realization, I reached out to Gunilla, who connected me with Placide. Together, they supported and encouraged me to spread TTT techniques within my neighborhood and nearby communities in the Ngororero and Nyabihu districts, with the aim of expanding countrywide.

To this day, I feel relaxed, and my high blood pressure is under control. I am now empowered to help others and share the benefits I have learned through TTT.

With the support of the Peaceful Heart Network, Placide, Alphonsine, and I have trained over 1,000 people—primarily youth and elders. Many have shared positive feedback and testimonies about the healing effects of TTT, including videos and audio recordings.

Using TTT and gospel songs has become a meaningful way to resolve past traumas. Blessings to the initiators and supporters of the Peaceful Heart Network."

Co-founder of the Arukah Project working in prisons in England with trauma.

"We founded the Arukah Project in 2022 to help vulnerable individuals break free from cycles of incarceration and addiction. Inspired by the belief that trauma is at the root of many destructive behaviours, we sought to create a model that not only addresses trauma but also empowers individuals to rebuild their lives.

Central to this effort is our commitment to co-design—bringing together trauma specialists, addiction recovery experts, psychologists, prison staff, and most importantly, individuals with lived experience.

Their insights shaped every aspect of our initiative, ensuring it was both practical and deeply empathetic."

Director, Behavioral and Mental Health Division at Chesterfield County Jail & the HARP program

"Five years ago, my 20-year-old son Taylor died from a drug overdose after struggling with addiction. My world shattered and I had no idea how I would ever function. I had learned about Tapping from a colleague who told me about the incredible results he was seeing. I tried to find someone who could tap with Taylor, and I was unable to find anyone to help him. He died a month later and in the darkness that consumed me that tiny seed about the power of tapping kept pulling at me. I was very skeptical and found it hard to believe that anything that weird and simple would work.

Not only did it work, but it has been responsible for the bulk of my own healing. I had spent 25 years as a therapist and had never gotten results as quickly or seen people get so much relief like I did once I began tapping in my sessions. In 2020, I met Sheriff Karl Leonard in my advocacy work to bring about change in how we treat substance use and keep families from doing what mine was. He invited me to visit to the jail and I was so blown away by the HARP Program he had created I asked to volunteer my clinical skills. I added that I would be doing something call “Tapping” and his only question, “Does it work?”

Four years later, we have trained hundreds of inmates and first responders in Trauma Tapping with the help and support of the Peaceful Heart Network. Tapping is used daily by our staff and inmates, and we believe that everyone has the power to heal and create safety in their bodies. Tapping and Havening are foundational tools for healing and self-regulation. Imagine a world where we give people the tools to heal themselves and others. We see it every single day in a jail of all places."

Sheriff at Chesterfield County Jail, initiator of the HARP program

"When I became sheriff in 2014 with responsibility for a large jail, I soon realized, with a population of about 70% of my inmates who had mental health issues, that I was operating more of a psychiatric hospital than a jail. My frustration at being ill-prepared, ill-equipped, not trained or resourced to be a mental health treatment facility quickly changed to exasperation with the onset of the opioid crisis in 2016.

Daily I would witness 20- 25 people in the depths of addiction enter my jail, who then quickly decompensated by going into withdrawal soon after incarceration. Nationally, I watched as the number of people dying from overdose reached unprecedented numbers and continued to climb year after year. 

With so many people in active addiction continuing to struggle with mental health issues and dying at alarming rates, I asked myself, “What's the number? How many lives are we willing to lose before we finally do something different?” “What is the magic number we have to hit before we finally make this a priority?” 

I could not wait for the answer to these questions.  One fateful day in March of 2016, I created HARP, a holistic, multi-faceted, peer-led therapeutic treatment program in the Chesterfield County Jail. I decided to create HARP in the morning and by that evening had the first participants identified and in the program, receiving peer led recovery supports.  

Over the next eight years, HARP has evolved and continues to do so, always seeking new or different innovative ways to address the trauma often at the root of addiction and mental health challenges—the same trauma that perpetuates the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Addiction is a complex issue that demands creative, outside-the-box thinking and tools. What I learned early with this opioid crisis was that it was a very unconventional epidemic and that traditional conventional approaches weren’t working.

Part of HARP’s evolution occurred one day in 2020 when I crossed paths with Kerri Rhodes, a therapist but more importantly a mother who had lost her son to an overdose. Dissatisfied with traditional mental health approaches, Kerri brought a new perspective informed by her own grief and experience.

She introduced even more unconventional yet effective tools like tapping and havening, which became integral to our program.

After 45 years in law enforcement, I strongly believed in our duty to do more than simply incarcerate people. We had an obligation morally, ethically, and legally, to reduce recidivism and combat the rising death toll, and to do that we had to address the root causes of addiction and mental health struggles. If our HARP team believes a tool or approach has the potential to help people heal, we make it happen. Together, our sworn staff and the HARP team have built a healing community within the jail, where practices like tapping and havening are part of daily life.

Changing the culture of law enforcement—particularly within a system that has focused on punishment for over 250 years—is no easy task. But within our jail, we are fostering meaningful change. Over the years, we have helped thousands of inmates find recovery and leave with the tools they need to heal and self-regulate when life becomes difficult. We have saved lives and continue to do so. 

There is no better investment of funds or resources than giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and recover. 

How much is saving just one life worth?"

Clinical psychologist at BVES for liberated child soldiers and vulnerable children in DR Congo

External Relations Coordinator Kigali Genocide Memorial, Rwanda

Psychosocial & Events Coordinator, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Rwanda

Youth volunteer coordinator in Nyabihu District, Rwanda

Akagera Good Neighbors Executive Director

Akagera Good Neighbors Mentor in charge of psycho-social activities for both Kids and Mothers.

Youth Activist, Bidibidi refugee camp, Uganda

"I was born into a polygamous family, but my father abandoned my mother and us—her six children—when I was in primary four in 2016. Life became incredibly difficult, and in 2023, I left my mother to live on my own. Despite my efforts, I struggled and eventually decided to leave school. I had no peace, couldn’t focus on my lessons, and was constantly unwell—suffering from headaches, heart issues, sleeplessness, and many other challenges.

It was during this time that I attended a trauma healing seminar led by Pr. John Obonyo, where I learned about the Trauma Tapping Technique. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I experienced complete healing—physically, mentally, and spiritually. I passed my senior one, did well in senior two last year, and if God provides, I will continue with senior three this year.

The Trauma Tapping Technique has brought stability to my life. No matter what I go through, I can keep moving forward. Tapping has become a vital part of my daily routine, and I rely on it so much. God be praised.

Today I share my testimony with my fellow students and train them in tapping. In the churches when I am present i am active in the practical tapping and the singing."

Community mobilizer and trainer of FAST, Rwanda

Clinical & Health Psychologist, World Leading Researcher, Author & Educator, Australia - Joining over Zoom

Psychologist, Community mobilizer after wildfires and in education, California, USA - Joining over Zoom

"I have spent 36 years as a trauma therapist in Northern California, primarily using professional-driven models like EMDR and Energy Psychology. Yet, my deepest passion has always been empowering individuals with practical tools to manage stress and trauma. In 2012, I joined the ACEP Humanitarian Committee and began developing resources, unsure how they might be applied in real-world settings.

In 2016, my path shifted profoundly when I met Ulf Sandstrom and Gunnilla Hamne from the Peaceful Heart Network. They introduced me to the powerful model they had been using to bring First Aid for Stress and Trauma (FAST) to the world. Their approach demonstrated how these skills could be delivered nonverbally, making them accessible to people of all ages and adaptable to any setting.

Although I had worked on multiple projects to introduce FAST locally, the devastating wildfires in our region underscored the urgent need for these tools. The collective trauma of the fires provided an opportunity to integrate FAST into both individual and community support systems. For many, it was their first encounter with the physical and emotional impact of stress and trauma.

Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of using FAST in diverse settings, including Red Cross shelters, community recovery groups, and with first responders and hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been deeply rewarding to see individuals learn to calm their stress response within minutes. I’ve also delivered short FAST and Emotional First Aid trainings, and I’m seeing these tools gradually become part of care systems, especially in Northern California schools.

I look forward to continuing this vital work and collaborating to make FAST more accessible and effective, bringing healing to communities in need."

Director at BVES for liberated child soldiers and vulnerable children in DR Congo

Kingdom Gate School in Kigali, using TTT in school for students and teachers

"My name is Ndayisenga David Protait, founder of Kingdom Gate Rwanda. I am a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, during which I lost many members of my family. The genocide, along with the hardships I faced growing up as a vulnerable child, became the source of my trauma. These experiences inspired me to dedicate my life to supporting vulnerable children.

For many years, I struggled with symptoms of trauma, including nightmares, fear, and flashbacks. In 2018, I was introduced to Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT), and it transformed my life. I felt like a new person—my mind became lighter, my body felt at ease, and the nightmares and flashbacks disappeared. I thank God for this powerful healing tool.

Since then, I have integrated TTT into the programs at Kingdom Gate Rwanda. It has had a significant positive impact, helping to reduce stress and improve student performance. In fact, last year, all our students passed the national examinations with a 100% success rate. Trauma Tapping Technique has proven to be a valuable tool in education.

Murakoze—Thank you!"

Good News of Peace and Development for Rwanda

Initiator of 24 Hours of Tapping raising funds for Peaceful Heart Network and FAST in incredible ways

"The 24 Hours of Tapping was created in response to feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the face of global migration and refugee issues. As one person I felt it would be impossible to change the world.  I then tried to think of ways that change this global issue in a personal way.

This brought me to the work of the Peaceful Heart Network. By partnering with them we have been able to not only connect with those in need, but have been also able to rally the global tapping community to use the might of our community effort to create change."

Trauma and tapping specialist, coach and therapist

"From adolescence into my 30's I suffered from complex mental and physical health issues. I was introduced to Tapping at a point when I had been told I was too unwell for psychotherapy, and it gave me such an immediate sense of relief that I was permanently convinced. I went on to study EFT and became an EFT practitioner and trainer, specialising in trauma recovery. 

In 2021, I moved to Ukraine and was caught up in the re-invasion of 2022 and the ongoing conflict. I was able to share TTT and EFT with our community in Kyiv, some of whom had left and some who remained. This was my first experience sharing the techniques at such a scale, and I gratefully received invaluable advice and support from Peaceful Heart Network. 

Working with Aga Kehinde, a project was created to teach Tapping and other somatic stress regulation techniques to key communities from the town of Slupsk, Poland, two relocated Ukrainian orphanages, and an international school in Kyiv. A group of Ukrainian psychotherapists have been trained in TTT and EFT and are sharing the techniques with their families, clients, and colleagues. 

Again and again, I witness these techniques being used by a huge variety of people to increase their stability and reduce their stress during times of incredible challenge."