Identity, Intimacy and Power: From Self Consciousness to Self Trust: A Holistic Approach to Identity in Women to Support Authentic Expression, Aliveness, Freedom and Intimacy with Life During Times of Change

Author

Jennifer ShieldsFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Valerie Blanc

Abstract

This Dance/Movement Therapy Capstone Thesis is a literature review and heuristic exploration of women’s experience of the patriarchal effects on identity and intimacy. After establishing an understanding of power within the roots of patriarchy and its internalized effects on women’s relationship with their inner knowing this thesis aims to understand power in a new, counter cultural way that is tethered to a source within. Through the lens of Tantrik Hatha Yoga and Authentic Movement this thesis offers a counter cultural way to understand identity as layered, malleable and rooted in a relationship to awareness. This shift in relationship to identity opens a doorway to intimacy that offers a development of relational understanding that is equanimous and empowering. The layers of shame imposed on women’s psyche through patriarchal conditioning are released through the cultivation of a loving inner witness through Tantric Hatha Yoga and the experience of being seen in a nonjudgmental light by another through the practice of Authentic Movement.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Shields, Jennifer, "Identity, Intimacy and Power: From Self Consciousness to Self Trust: A Holistic Approach to Identity in Women to Support Authentic Expression, Aliveness, Freedom and Intimacy with Life During Times of Change" (2024). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 800.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/800