Proposal Title
Trauma Talks: An Afternoon of Arts-based Healing
Location
Room 3-102
Start Date
9-11-2018 12:00 PM
End Date
9-11-2018 1:00 PM
Presentation Type
Workshop
Abstract
This workshop helps survivors of sexual violence heal through a multi-model expressive writing experiential inspired by Pennebaker’s (1986) paradigm, proposes the correlation between the practice of emotionally descriptive writing about significant trauma and improved mental and physical well-being. Subsequent applications of Pennebaker’s paradigm have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression, dysphoria, and anxiety for survivors of sexual assault. Using this paradigm as the basis for this workshop, incorporating a proprioceptive writing model to facilitate somatic integration and the Psychodramatic container practice to create a safe space for participants. This workshop includes evidence supporting the efficacy of expressive writing as a means of healing in universally acceptable terms, and discussion about the different faces of violence against women (from intimate partner violence to rape by intoxication to frequently normalized coercive male sexual behavior) as a means of validating the individual experiences of participants. The expressive writing experiential will be introduced through a spoken word performance of a completed response to the prompt, which will serve as guidance and inspiration. Participants will then have the opportunity to begin writing their own responses using the proprioceptive techniques that are outlined. The workshop concludes with sharing of work from any participant who feels comfortable (though no one will be compelled to do so) and a processing session. NOTE: This workshop is open to all who identify as survivors of sexual trauma of any kind, regardless of gender identity and/or expression.
Trauma Talks: An Afternoon of Arts-based Healing
Room 3-102
This workshop helps survivors of sexual violence heal through a multi-model expressive writing experiential inspired by Pennebaker’s (1986) paradigm, proposes the correlation between the practice of emotionally descriptive writing about significant trauma and improved mental and physical well-being. Subsequent applications of Pennebaker’s paradigm have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression, dysphoria, and anxiety for survivors of sexual assault. Using this paradigm as the basis for this workshop, incorporating a proprioceptive writing model to facilitate somatic integration and the Psychodramatic container practice to create a safe space for participants. This workshop includes evidence supporting the efficacy of expressive writing as a means of healing in universally acceptable terms, and discussion about the different faces of violence against women (from intimate partner violence to rape by intoxication to frequently normalized coercive male sexual behavior) as a means of validating the individual experiences of participants. The expressive writing experiential will be introduced through a spoken word performance of a completed response to the prompt, which will serve as guidance and inspiration. Participants will then have the opportunity to begin writing their own responses using the proprioceptive techniques that are outlined. The workshop concludes with sharing of work from any participant who feels comfortable (though no one will be compelled to do so) and a processing session. NOTE: This workshop is open to all who identify as survivors of sexual trauma of any kind, regardless of gender identity and/or expression.
