LAUNCHING THE SERIES

The second part of the clinician’s presentation focused on different categories of trauma (acute, chronic, complex, systemic, and vicarious among others), as well as new research about the ways that trauma can alter one’s DNA and impact future generations.

After lunch, the group began to think about constructive responses to the current public healthcare crisis, and visual artist Rachel Alban led a series of exercises focusing on the importance of “self-care”. Situations of secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma stimulate emotional and physical symptoms, and participants were reminded to “put on their oxygen masks first”. Rachel’s presentation, “The M.A.G.I.C. of Self Care offered suggestions for finding: meaning, awareness, getting physical, imagination, and community. Finding your heartbeat, slow breathing, or tracing the outline of one’s hand proved artful strategies that participants added to their self-care plans. The final presentation was led by

Tamara Williams of Music Beyond

Measure and focused on teaching coping and resiliency-building skills through music education, collaborative songwriting, and performance.

In the “ritual” wrap-up (E.g., I heard…, I think…, I feel…, and I will…) and the debriefing discussion (E.g., Pluses and Deltas of the session), participants recognized their role as “drivers” in a classroom, and that music, or other art forms, can be a vehicle for empowerment and expression. The design of the presentations offered a balanced experience and ensured that the content was not too scary. The self-care session balanced out a feeling of being overwhelmed. Participants appreciated the exercises and the strategies they could use, and, even though this was a longer session, wanted more time for questions and connecting.

The third session focused on “Building Resilience Through the Arts”, from the science of resilience to examples of arts-based resilience building through dance, theater, and public art.

The session began with a review of the Ground Rules, a discussion of the creation of Personal Safety Plans, and a reminder that as the group continues to “Reframe the Journey” of arts-based trauma-informed practices, Maya Angelou’s refrain from “Still I Rise” serves as a powerful mantra and cry for resilience.

Clinician Linda Andino offered insights about “Understanding Resilience from a Research Perspective”. She reflected on a paradigm shift from thinking about the vulnerability and deficits of trauma survivors to their strengths and assets. Research points to the neuroplasticity