The film, ‘Healing Neen’ documents the assent of Tonier ‘Neen’ Cain from a childhood of abuse, neglect, and violence, through a journey of drugs, prostitution, and prison, into a life-changing trauma-treatment program where she turned her past around. She is now a world-traveling mental health advocate, working to better the lives of the people she used to sleep with, under bridges. It’s a tale too dramatic to be made up, and Tonier herself is a character too full of life to be dreamed. 

The above quote is from Caleb Stine, the musician who wrote the score for the documentary Healing Neen, the story of Tonier Cain.  A friend told me about this film and I immediately ordered a free copy.  It’s an emotional and powerful story that shows the transformative power of healing from trauma. 

The film points out the very high percentage of trauma victims among prison populations.  The National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, where Tonier Cain now works, also points out that most of the consumers of mental health treatment are themselves victims of trauma.  The Center’s mission includes promoting alternatives to practices in institutions that can be re-traumatizing, such as the use of restraints and isolation. 

I was disappointed that the movie doesn’t say much at all about the actual treatment that led to Ms Cain’s healing.  What is revealed is that her healing came when she was a pregnant inmate and became involved in a program called Tamar’s Children, which gave her the opportunity to keep her baby and to learn healthy parenting.  From what I can find online this program unfortunately was discontinued.  

I highly recommend this movie.  Watch the trailer.  Order a copy.  If you would like to arrange a showing or for information on trauma healing in the Jefferson City contact me at 573-338-0104 or toolsforstress@yahoo.com.

~Jan Harcourt