w/ Michael niconchuk

A hub for learning, resources, and coaching for those charting the intersection of peacebuilding, neuroscience, and inner life.

Purkinje cell of the human cerebellum, by Santiago Ramón y Cajal (Public Domain)

About the site

Step into inquiry with me. Explore publications, webinars, upcoming events and ways to work with me.

I’d like to think of myself as a cartographer of human repair, mapping the neurobiology of stress and rupture, and accompanyting others as they navigate pathways towards values-aligned choice. Much of my work has been in communities deeply shaped by war, forced migration, and faith.

Recent publications

View Publications [ -> ]

Mar 2026

“Give me justice, not pills.”

A chapter of the Routledge International Handbook of Trauma-Responsive Peacebuilding, this is an honest critique of recent attempts to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and peacebuilding programs in humanitarian and development settings.

Chapter

Aug 2025

Adding to the Burden

Findings from our collaborative study led by Dr. Christiane Wesarg-Menzel, exploring stress resonance as a potential vulnerability factor in the development of PTSD symptoms among Arabic-speaking refugees in Germany.

Peer-Reviewed publication

Aug 2024

Reflections on studying empathy

In this methodological paper, we share our experiences in designing and implementing a study on the interrelations of war-related trauma, pPTSD, and empathy in individuals from Arabic-speaking countries who had entered Germany as refugees or migrants.

Peer-Reviewed publication

About me

There are many places I call home. Shaped by a career in humanitarian aid, social cognition research, coaching, and community psychosocial support and peacebuilding, I am helplessly committed to understanding and mapping the human condition–how our inner world interacts with experiences of adversity, conflict, violence, and group identity to shape behavior and choices.

As a trained coach, I am committed to working with others creating their own maps, particularly with folks whose lives have been shaped by war, forced migration, and faith.

And as a researcher, I am guided by one simple question: “how does the stewardship of inner woundedness shape our relationships, communities, and societies?” Across disciplines, I continue to explore that question, integrating neurobiology, history, religion and spirituality, social psychology, and the study of language.

CHOOSE yOUR ADVENTURE

Collage combining brain diagrams, African fabric patterns, vintage photographs, and handwritten notes illustrating research concepts in neuroscience, culture, and psychology.

Publications

spanning disciplines

Explore research publications exploring topics from violent extremism to the neurobiology of empathy to modern peacebuilding practice.

Podcast microphone suspended in front of a colorful neural network pattern with glowing nodes

Podcasts & Courses

talking about that which gives me life

Listen and learn, entering inquisitive space with me across various podcast appearances and online courses addressing topics from trauma to violent extremism to forced migration.

Textile thought bubble, dark Guatemalan patterns

Coaching

trauma-informed coaching with me

In a coaching session, you can expect a collaborative and structured space focused on your goals and next steps. Available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Group of people collaborating and discussing strategy around table

Upcoming Events

sharing what I know with others

Learn about upcoming workshops, retreats, and learning opportunities around the world.