Using the power of story to heal organizational trauma + moral injury
Coaching | Training | Facilitation
IMAGINE WHAT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE IF WE COULD SERVE OTHER HUMANS WITHOUT SACRIFICING OUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Hi - I'm Dimple Dhabalia, the founder of Roots in the Clouds and a coach, facilitator, storyteller, and leader of leaders.
After almost two decades working alongside and leading other humanitarians, I'd experienced everything from burnout and compassion fatigue to vicarious trauma and moral injury as a result of the work. Compelled by the desire to alleviate the suffering of other humans I kept showing up to do the work until I no longer could. But like so many others, I worked in an organization that didn't understand the mental health challenges that came with this kind of work, leaving me to bear my pain in silence and shame.
Over the next decade I sought out tools, strategies and skills to help me heal and flourish again, eventually bringing much of what I was learning to my colleagues. I now use that acquired knowledge and expertise as a catalyst to support heart-centered leaders across mission-driven sectors address and heal organizational trauma so they can continue doing the work the world needs them to do without sacrificing their own health and well-being in the process.
Read more of my story here >
THE INHERENT CONFLICT OF MISSION-DRIVEN WORK
Working in a high-stress and trauma-exposed job can be incredibly fulfilling, and also highly depleting. The stressors experienced in this line of work go beyond the stress, anxiety and burnout frequently talked about in the media. Occupational mental health challenges like vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, moral injury and compassion fatigue are inevitable in this line of work, and yet most of the organizations in these sectors aren’t resourced to support their staff. But the thing is, success in this field is not just about professional abilities, it’s about well-being, too. At Roots in the Clouds we use scientifically-backed tools and interventions like one-to-one coaching, story circles, writing programs, and mindfulness exercises to help individuals working in mission-driven environments unpack and heal old narratives, mitigate trauma and moral injury, prioritize their own well-being, and more deeply connect with their colleagues.
Want to learn more about how I can support you?
Trauma creates change you don't choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.
- Michelle Rosenthal
HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
Well-Leader
Coaching
1:1 coaching grounded in mindful performance, positive psychology, and storytelling to help leaders at all levels thrive in life and leadership.
Support for
Organizations
Facilitation and support for unpacking and addressing entrenched systemic issues, creating psychological safety, and healing trauma + moral injury.
Workshops
and Events
Sessions designed to support leaders to do their own inner work to more effectively lead and navigate the challenges of mission-driven work.
Leadership
Development
Using the power of storytelling to empower leaders, break old patterns of conditioned thinking, build confidence, and enhance emotional intelligence.
Story-Healing
Circles
Using the power of storytelling to acknowledge and heal organizational trauma + moral injury, and cultivate compassion, empathy, and connection.
Moral wounds have this peculiarity - they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.
- Alexandre Dumas
SOMETIMES IT'S THE WOUNDS WE CAN'T SEE THAT HURT THE MOST
The mass exodus we've seen taking place across government, humanitarian, and private sectors over the past few years is about more than just feeling burned out or wanting more flexible work arrangements. It's often about feeling like one's conscience has been wounded and an innate sense of integrity has been violated. Organizational conditions that give rise to occupational mental health challenges like vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and moral injury can leave staff feeling isolated and disconnected. This often leads to feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, and shame, which if left unacknowledged can lead to deeper mental health issues including PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, having a profound effect on employees, and on the mission.
Service without sacrifice is a story we must write together
At Roots in the Clouds we use a human-centered approach grounded in mindfulness and storytelling to help mission-driven organizations:
- Build trust and psychological safety within their teams and the organization;
- Bridge the gap between the individual and the larger collective with compassion and empathy;
- Acknowledge and heal trauma and moral injury;
- Align staff well-being needs with mission performance;
- Integrate a duty of care into the fabric of organizational culture; and
- Align head, heart, and metrics to work together for mission success.
Want to learn more about how I can support your organization?
Book a ConsultationREADY TO FEEL LIKE THE BEST AND MOST INSPIRED VERSION OF YOURSELF AGAIN?
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Dimple is an excellent instructor. Her courses are professionally done and she's a seasoned facilitator and leader in her field, so she has very practical experience. She knows what she's teaching inside and out. The resources she provides are clearly laid out and designed to support you. Everyone in a high demand or leadership position can benefit from working with her.
Nina Sachdev
US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security
Dimple is an open, accepting and deeply knowledgeable and compassionate teacher. She made the material interesting and relevant, and it always felt like an ongoing conversation. She skillfully navigates obstacles and makes everyone feel seen and heard. This class was like getting a warm hug, wrapped in a blanket of knowledge.
Jennifer Jines
Creator and Chief Visionary Officer, Kindagious
There were so many thoughts in my head at the end of the 3-day course I took with Dimple. I’m definitely someone who needs time to process experiences like the mPEAK class, and I’ve spent the entire weekend doing nothing but thinking about intentions and takeaways. Dimple is a FANTASTIC instructor! Truly, I was in awe of her ability to lead the class through three long days of exercises and discussions with such ease. I’m glad I was in this class, and I enjoyed the presence of every student.
LeRoy Potts
US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security
