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Baker, Helene (2020) The somatic experiencing of therapists when working with clients who are living with trauma: An exploration using collage. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]

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Abstract

The bodily experiencing of the therapist is a constant presence in the therapeutic space. Person-centred theory and practice is all about the organism, and literature on working with trauma has shown the fundamental significance of the client's body in traumatic experiencing and healing. The physical body of the therapist, however, is largely absent from the literature. This study aims to explore the bodily experiencing of the therapist when working with clients who are living with trauma. In this context, 'bodily experiencing' describes the physical expression of the therapist as a living, sensing and responding being, and includes bodily relationship to self, others and the world around.

Using collage as an innovative arts-based research methodology, interviews were held with participants and data material synthesised through an intuitive and reflexive process. New insights and meaning emerged from the synthesis which reveal that through a focus on the body of the therapist, a connection can be made with the body of the client who is living with trauma. Further, it was found that the use of collage, as a method of inquiry, can stimulate an inclusive, collaborative and embodied process, which illuminates and enriches the bodily experiencing of participants and researcher, and which brings real change to practice with clients in trauma. The use of collage in the representation and dissemination of the research study is noted, and possibilities for further developments are explored.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	Somatic experiencing, body of therapist, trauma and body, collage methodology
Depositing User:	Visser, Kathleen
Date Deposited:	10 May 2022 08:28
Last Modified:	10 May 2022 08:28
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/69126

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