Who we are

Our story

Crisis is the new normal

In today’s world, where crises bring pain, violence, and acute stress on a daily basis, the need for effective emotional support has never been greater. Responding to this urgent demand, Dr. Cathy Lawi founded EmotionAid® in 2009. A trauma therapist, international trainer, and former biotech executive, Dr. Lawi envisioned a practical and accessible method of providing emotional first aid through brief, effective interventions for those facing intense stress and trauma.

Drawing on decades of expertise in neuroscience, trauma therapy, and advanced mental health practices, Dr. Lawi and a team of leading specialists developed powerful tools to help individuals recover from overwhelming experiences and cultivate lasting resilience. Grounded in neuroscience and built on a groundbreaking somatic approach, EmotionAid® has redefined how emotional wounds can be addressed and healed – establishing a practical foundation for enduring resilience and well-being.

Our vision

We envision a world where individuals and communities are empowered to cope with stress and trauma, building resilience for a healthier future.

Our mission

Self-care worldwide

We are a non-profit organization led by experts in early and short-term interventions for emotional distress. To maximize our reach, we train compassionate individuals, known as Resilience Facilitators, using a comprehensive toolkit we have developed.

Resilience Facilitators are embedded within communities and organizations facing intense stress and trauma, providing early support to help individuals manage emotional distress, stay within the window of resilience, and prevent severe mental health challenges

We focus on four key areas: supporting schools, hospitals, veterans and their families, and training compassionate individuals in early intervention for stress and trauma management, using a comprehensive toolkit we have developed.
Our comprehensive toolkit includes a 5-step training method for emotional first aid, complemented by resources for practicing, learning, and teaching the method.
EmotionAid®’s training approach is trusted by organizations like the Red Cross, HIAS, and leading teams of first responders as the preferred choice for emergency interventions.

Our 5-step protocol

Our protocol is based on advanced research in neurosciences and psychology. We turned complex scientific theories into an easy to use, fast-response product that can be adopted by all, from children to seniors. Once acquired, it is a resource that stays with you, for life.

Resilience Facilitators come in at a critical time, before stress becomes chronic. 1. We intervene before symptoms are installed 2. We adopt a bottom up approach, treating symptoms rather than their causes, enabling patients to go back to daily lives in a short timeframe

Our Manifesto

In a world where crises are constant, emotional wounds often remain hidden, yet their impact can be as profound as any physical injury.

At EmotionAid®, we believe early intervention can prevent suffering, restore balance, and enable faster recovery while lowering long-term healthcare and societal costs.

Leveraging neuroscience, we have created a protocol that treats symptoms immediately, helping individuals return to their routines quickly and self-regulate.

Through our training of Resilience Facilitators, we embed compassionate, science-backed support within communities and organizations facing intense stress and trauma.

We envision a future where resilience is the norm, not the exception.

Join us—the need for a first response to emotional distress has never been more urgent.