Houses of Healing: A Prioner' Guide to Inner Power and Freedom

I am in my 8th year of facilitating HoH in a Women's Federal Prison in Canada. The program is evaluated by the participants at the end of every 10 week/30 hour program. I have yet to be aware of one participant who has not found the book or the program to far exceed their expectations in terms of relevance and helpfulness. Further, many/most claim that it is 'THE' most powerful book/program they have ever come in contact with for life-changing understanding and practical tools to effectively deal with difficult issues and to move forward in healing, positive ways. The program is found to be gentle, respectful, inspirational and most of all powerful. Many find that for the first time in their lives they gain awareness and clarity on the impact of abuse, grief, loss, addictions, etc and are able to 'connect the dots' of past and present; change ineffective behavior with tools learned; embrace forgiveness; re-parent their inner child; accountability for crime; make better choices; enter into a more peaceful, empowered life. Participants also find that the program dovetails beautifully and supports other learning. Houses of Healing is a respected program among professionals in chaplaincy, health care, parole and management. Evidence of this was that author Robin Casarjian was invited to be a keynote speaker for The Canadian National Chaplaincy Conference (federal institutions)last spring in Vancouver, BC. I would encourage ANYONE (on both sides of the fence and over all boarders)who wants to be 'set free' to read Houses of Healing.

Houses of Healing makes the premise that behind every mask we wear in dealing with life, there is an essence of our Higher Self waiting to be acknowledged and respected. Robin Casarjian's amazing work facilitates this transformation to occur within the intense setting of a prison. I have facilitated the twelve week Houses of Healing course based on the book within prisons as well as in a 400 level university course where future counselors in criminal justice experienced it for their own personal growth. Because of the universal application and appeal, Houses of Healing resonates and supports emotional healing in both venues.

I have been a teacher of the emotional literacy course that has evolved from this book at a NYS prison for women every year since 1999. In the Introduction to the accompanying TRAINING MANUAL, Casarjian writes, "At a time when many prisons are cutting back on treatment and counseling services, it is particularly important to find ways to offer help to those who want it. Too many prisoners are being released without being offered opportunities to face and heal some of the core issues that got them to prison in the first place." And that is exactly what this book/course does: encourage inmates to face and heal themselves. The power of the book/course is extraordinary. As one inmate wrote at the end of the course, "I am not the same miserable, hurt and lost soul who was first incarcerated three years ago. I have learnt so much about myself that I don't think this would have been possible had I tried this self-discovery on my own." I cannot think of a better book to give a friend or relative who is in prison and looking for hope and healing.

This frank and loving guidebook provides a rare ray of hope to people who might otherwise remain stuck in a pattern of self-defeating behaviors. I have personally observed the changes in prisoners who have used this book with the corresponding workbook as a guide for personal growth groups. The results are nothing short of miraculous. The book is clearly written and easy to follow, making it accessible for people with all levels of education. The case examples that Ms. Casarjian uses to illustrate her points are at once deeply personal and universal. I recommend this book to anyone who is in prison or working with those who are in prison.