Public Peer Mediation and Restorative Justice Subsidiary of Daphne’s Hometree

Coherence Circles is a publicly available subsidiary program of Daphne’s Hometree, offering trauma-informed, culturally competent peer mediation and restorative justice services to the broader community. It serves as a voluntary, confidential, and dignity-centered alternative to unnecessary restraining orders and adversarial legal processes for non-violent interpersonal conflicts.

While Coherence Circles is open to the general public, it is deeply rooted in Hometree’s mission: to restore relational safety, reduce isolation, and demonstrate that conflict can be resolved through understanding rather than punishment. The program is particularly valuable for individuals and families navigating the challenges of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cerebral palsy, bipolar disorder, and overlapping conditions, where symptoms can be misunderstood or punished by systems that lack context.

Core Principles of Coherence Circles

• Voluntary Participation: No one is required to participate. Either party may withdraw at any time without consequence.
• Trauma-Informed and Culturally Competent: Every session prioritizes emotional safety, choice, and respect for each person’s background, identity, and lived experience.
• Confidentiality: Protected under Washington State’s Uniform Mediation Act (RCW 7.07). Discussions cannot be used in court except in cases of imminent harm.
• Restorative Focus: Emphasis is on understanding impact, taking responsibility, and creating repair agreements rather than assigning blame.
• Accessibility: Services are free or low-cost for Hometree residents and offered on a sliding scale or grant-funded basis for the public.

How Coherence Circles Operates

Sessions are facilitated by trained staff and qualified peer mediators (stable Hometree residents who have completed certification). The structured process includes:

• Private pre-session meetings to ensure safety and readiness.
• Guided circles using a talking piece so each person is heard without interruption.
• Focus on impact (“How did this affect you?”) and needs (“What would help repair this?”).
• Creation of simple, concrete safety or repair agreements.
• Optional follow-up sessions and integration with Hometree’s video journaling for personal reflection.

Coherence Circles are held in the campus’s Fibonacci-designed spaces, which naturally support calm and clear communication. When appropriate, elements of garden, animal, art, or music therapy may be incorporated to enhance emotional safety.

Public Availability and Community Impact

As a public subsidiary, Coherence Circles is open to individuals, families, and community groups outside of Hometree. This creates a broader societal benefit by:

• Reducing unnecessary court involvement and legal costs.