Our History
In 1986, Dr. Theresa Karminski Burke founded one of the first organizations for helping women and men recover from the emotional and spiritual aftermath of abortion. In her book Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion (co-authored with leading researcher David Reardon), Dr. Burke explains how her work was inspired by leading a support group in graduate school for women with eating disorders. Though many in the group revealed histories of abortion and exhibited symptoms of post- traumatic stress when the subject arose, the clinic supervisor reprimanded her for “prying” into abortion experiences and instructed her to avoid the topic. But, Theresa asked, if people demonstrated the need to talk about their abortion experience, how could a psychiatrist taboo the topic?
Disillusioned by the mental health system, Dr. Burke started free support groups that first met in the library of a local church. She sought to support women who had been ignored or exploited by others—family members, boyfriends, abortion providers, the mental health community—in their times of greatest need.
When Dr. Burke realized that talking about abortion’s deep wounds was not enough, she created Rachel’s Vineyard: Healing the trauma of abortion.
The retreats consistently included women who had suffered sexual abuse—many of them sharing their stories for the first time—suggesting possible links between the epidemics of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and subsequent abortion trauma. In 2005, Dr. Burke developed Grief to Grace – Healing the Wounds of Abuse for people who have endured physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse. These retreats help abuse survivors feel the presence of God and reclaim their sacred dignity.
Since its inception, Grief to Grace has drawn retreat attendees from around the world eager for healing from abusive experiences, including priests and religious who want to grieve childhood wounds in our safe, confidential, and spiritually nurturing environment that respects their vocations.
Dr. Burke has lectured worldwide on the treatment of trauma through clinical training seminars, both for our program facilitators and for mental health professionals. In recent years, she has expanded her clinical trainings on the trauma of abuse for diocesan professionals and clergy charged with the pastoral care of souls. Fr. Dominic Allain, our International Pastoral Director, has been a crucial partner in these efforts. Grief to Grace is a valuable resource for pastoral leaders to whom abuse survivors come for help.
