Remarkably Resilient grew from when the Harnish sisters: Kathleen, Karen and Sharon, began learning about the neuroscience of trauma and what it meant for their lived experience of surviving a childhood of incest and abuse.
Their stories–and survival–explore the healing role that individuals and communities can play for people recovering from childhood trauma.
In their book, “Remarkably Resilient, Community Matters,” the sisters share their stories of resilience, informed by what they have learned about the neuroscience of trauma and through their lived experience. One of the most profound insights for the sisters was uncovering the paradigm shift that the neuroscience of trauma provides: from thinking “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
This learning journey led to creating the Remarkably Resilient Together® community campaign to teach resilience, as well as a planned documentary, numerous workshops, keynote speeches, videos and more.
Now, as part of the larger Remarkably Resilient® organization, the sisters are focused on advocacy and resources for others with similar lived experiences. Their hope is to support other trauma survivors by helping them find their voices while providing information, skills and resources for healing.
When we talk about abuse, we often think of strangers or people outside the home. But the truth is, some of the most devastating violations happen within families – behind closed doors, where trust should be sacred. Incest is one of the most hidden and painful forms of abuse, not just because of what happens, but because of how hard it is to speak about.
Breaking the silence takes unimaginable courage. And as a society, we have a responsibility to listen without judgment to believe survivors, no matter how many years it takes them to summon the courage to share their stories. We must create spaces where no one feels alone in their truth. Until we do, incest will remain in the shadows – and so will the people who’ve experienced it.
Our hope is to share our story in a groundbreaking documentary that will create this important space for survivors and bring the uncomfortable truth to the light. Only then can the healing begin.
We’re looking for a documentary partner!
Do you know someone who can help us? Contact Karen Dickson.
Touching notes and testimonials from those who have been affected by Remarkably Resilient presentations, workshops and materials.
Then: Kathleen, left, at age three, with 18-month-old twins Karen & Sharon.
Now: Kathleen, Karen & Sharon as survivors, authors and advocates.
Learn more about the Harnish Sisters on the About Us page.
