The reason that “Healing Kiyo” is the name of this website is that “healing Kiyo” can mean both “Kiyo who is healing” and “the healing of Kiyo.” It seemed an appropriate name for a website that is structured so that people who have suffered sexual violence can share their experiences, exchange ideas, practical tools, disciplines, etc. that are useful for recovery without fear of criticism or prejudice, and grow while supporting each other, that is, a website with a “peer support” structure.

Although maintaining this website clearly relates to “the healing of Kiyo (that is, my healing),” strictly speaking, “Kiyo who is healing” is an overstatement. I am not a counselor or psychiatrist. Trained therapists are often helpful in recovery from trauma. So I urge you to consider counseling. But even if you are working with a therapist, other support (such as friends or family, in-person or online support groups or organizations, books, etc.) may be an important aid in your recovery. My goal is to be one such support. So, it may be more appropriate to say that “Healing Kiyo” in this context means “Kiyo who seeks to contribute to healing.”

At the center of what I would like to share here is the resilience I have learned from African Americans. The wisdom and insight they, who live in a world in which they are constantly treated with contempt, have discovered is powerful knowledge about how not to be overwhelmed by oppressive systems. Because sexual violence occurs in contexts in which there is an imbalance of power, for us who seek to resist and transform such societal structures, I think the life experiences of African Americans are a precious resource.

I also will be drawing on the theological concept of “han,” which I have learned from Dr. Andrew Sung Park’s book The Wounded Heart of God: The Asian Concept of Han and the Christian Doctrine of Sin. “Han” is difficult to translate but seems to be a word for damage resulting from being the recipient of injustice and oppression. Going beyond “resentment,” which is my understanding of the Japanese reading of “urami” for the logogram 恨, “han” also encompasses inward and psychological collapse due to anguish or grief, hopelessness, self-loathing, etc., a concept similar to what is often referred to in the general public in recent years as Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Dr. Park criticizes Western Christian theology for focusing only on forgiveness of sin for the oppressor and ignoring the suffering of people who have been damaged by oppression.

In recent years, those involved in recovery from trauma seem to be emphasizing the importance of a “brave space” rather than a “safe space.” The reason is that confronting experiences of violence is not necessarily “safe.” There is a possibility of reliving the trauma, of secondary harm from inappropriate questions or comments, etc. (This is why I think it is important to find a counselor trained in trauma-informed care.) However, facing one’s experiences can be a powerful tool for healing and for this, one must be brave. My intent with this website is to create one such “brave space.” To protect your privacy, I ask that you submit your questions and thoughts here. If I can respond with a general comment in a blog, I will. If quoting something you have written would make things clearer for others, I will be in touch with you to discuss if and how you would like me to do so while protecting your privacy and safety. Thank you in advance.