Dr. Villena-Mata saw similarities between recipients of "isms" with adult children of childhood abuse and other individual adverse situations. As there were no existing research in this area at that time, Darling went to graduate school to find out more. The result was her dissertation, which has since been translated into a layperson's version, accessible to clinicians, trainers, academicians, and clients alike.
In the latest edition (fourth), the book expands on the connection of both macro and micro traumas and avenues of healing: how one affects the other, as well as the similarities of symptoms and healing approaches. Further, it discusses common ground (trauma and healing) for differing or conflictual parties.
The writing and her speaking are both storytelling and linear, as well as polycultural in its approach.
Walking Between Winds: A Passage Through Trauma into Healing (2020)
Excerpts of the book can be found at invisibleforce.net in the
Between Winds webpage.
Dr. Villena-Mata's Ph.D. is in Social Psychology, with specialty in Trauma Studies and Conflict Resolution. Her Master's degree is in clinical psychology. Dr. Villena-Mata holds both diplomate and fellow status with American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress in collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management.
She has worked with individuals as well as groups, agencies, organizations, and ngo's in particular.
Villena-Mata provides a free 30 minute consultation.
Her services are consultation, training, individual advisement, as well as doing workshops and presentations. These services are done via phone and/or televideo at this time.
You may reach her at vmhumanrelations@use.startmail.com attn: services or call 360-293-1955