Sarina DiBianca is the Executive Director of Siloam Wellness, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Under her leadership, Siloam provides a broad range of integrative mind, body, and spirit services and programs. The organization’s mission is to support a vibrant, safe, and empowered HIV community, free from stigma. Additionally, Siloam focuses on prevention among youth aged 13-24. MysticMag finds out more.
Sarina, can you tell us more about the integrative mind, body, and spirit services and programs that Siloam Wellness provides for individuals living with HIV/AIDS?
We’ve been providing our services for 28 years, starting when AIDS was deep in the pandemic and considered a death sentence. Initially, we focused on people living with the chronic illness of HIV/AIDS, but we’ve since broadened our scope to help all individuals. We’ve noticed that people often come to us initially because they’re living with HIV/AIDS, but the first thing we must do is unpack the trauma they’re carrying—whether it’s physical, emotional, sexual, or societal. What’s interesting is that this is true for people living with HIV/AIDS and those living with trauma in general.
Many individuals go to the doctors seeking help for various symptoms, such as sleeplessness or other issues. The doctor might prescribe medication, saying, “Here’s the prescription for you to take your medicine and get healthy.” However, if the trauma isn’t addressed, if the person doesn’t feel worthy of getting better, they may never properly take the medicine prescribed. In the case of HIV, I would never suggest not taking medicine and only dealing holistically because that’s not how this disease works. But while you’re taking your medicine, let’s also address the trauma and the underlying issues.
That’s where hypnotherapy and our trauma support group come in. We also offer grief support groups and, of course, our HIV support group. We have three Reiki masters. Two who practice traditional Reiki, and one is a shamanic Reiki master with drums, bells, feathers, and chants, providing a very traditional, soothing experience. People often come out of these sessions feeling relieved and released from physical and emotional burdens.
We also offer breathwork classes because, in modern society, many of us don’t breathe properly. Babies and animals breathe from their bellies, but we’re taught to hold our stomachs in and breathe shallowly. This leads us to holding stress in our bodies. We also offer tapping and energy healing to help people release stress and reset themselves.
We teach coping skills such as affirmations (“I am worthy, I am not stressed out”) and tapping techniques. We’ve taught 70 people to self Reiki and 7 have become Reiki masters, allowing them to heal themselves and others, potentially becoming entrepreneurs. We also have a poetry group for those who may not be interested in traditional therapy but still want a therapeutic outlet. The group explores different themes each week, and participants can share poems, songs, or thoughts.
Additionally, we offer traditional yoga, a men’s group called the Man Cave, and a fitness class. Our trauma support group is led by a psychologist, Dr. Paul Ashton, while the HIV group is led by Dr. Bob Thornton. We also run a food pantry because we often work with people living below the poverty line, and we understand that if they can’t feed their families, none of our other healing methods will be effective.
How do you approach addressing the holistic well-being of individuals with HIV/AIDS, considering the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of their health?
One of the people featured in a recent documentary on us, an African American woman, mentioned that she used to think yoga was only for nerdy white women. We really have to break down those stereotypes to show people from diverse backgrounds, especially those in marginalized communities, that these healing practices are for everyone. We offer all our services for free to remove the barrier of cost. Many of our groups and classes are also available online, eliminating the need for transportation or the challenge of living remotely without access to transportation.
Our goal is to make these healing practices accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. We primarily serve people living below the poverty line or in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, who may be working but still struggle to make ends meet due to rising living costs. By offering everything for free, we aim to level the playing field and let everyone know that there’s a place for them here.
What role do support and discussion groups play in the overall wellness journey of the individuals you serve, particularly those dealing with trauma, grief, or HIV/AIDS-related issues?
We provide a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can freely discuss whatever is on their minds. We believe that addressing trauma is essential for healing, which is why we offer a range of support groups in addition to non-traditional therapy. Our focus is on mind, body, and spiritual wellness, with various groups that complement and enhance traditional therapeutic approaches.
Could you explain the significance of retreats in providing opportunities for reflection, sharing, and personal growth for your clients?
Our three-day retreats are truly transformative. Most of the documentary takes place during one of these retreats or support groups, where people living with HIV/AIDS are welcomed with open arms. It’s incredible to witness, especially from our co-founder, Sister Bernadette, who greets everyone with a big hug. Many people initially hesitate, fearing stigma, isolation, or simply not knowing enough about the disease. There’s a powerful moment in the documentary where one of our friends recounts a hospital experience just a few years ago, where a white physician in Philadelphia told him to get dressed and leave, saying, “I don’t see your kind.” It’s shocking and unacceptable, but it underscores the importance of what we do.
Our retreats provide a space for people to come together, feel loved, and support each other without judgment. We choose serene locations away from the city, such as retreat centers by the beach or in peaceful greenwood areas with gardens and flowers. Here, participants have time for self-reflection and engaging discussions aimed at finding their center of peace. It’s a beautiful experience that can be truly life-changing.
In what ways do integrative therapies such as Reiki, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Yoga contribute to improving the overall wellness and quality of life for individuals living with HIV/AIDS?
As humans, we’re capable of many things. We can multitask, move quickly, and handle numerous responsibilities simultaneously. However, one thing we often struggle with is sitting still and paying attention to what’s happening within our own bodies. It’s not easy to delve deep into our emotions, to understand our anxieties, anger, or feelings of unease. This is where the essence of mind, body, and spiritual wellness and healing lies.
Our programs help individuals learn to slow down, to connect with themselves on a deeper level. In our fast-paced lives, it’s common to come home exhausted, wanting nothing more than to shut out the day. But by learning to address and heal the core issues within us, we can make tomorrow a better day. It’s about understanding that while life may be hectic, taking the time to care for our inner selves is crucial for overall well-being.
If you would like to find out more about Siloam Wellness, please visit https://siloamwellness.org/
And to view the documentary, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2SuC5cOm8
