Embodying empathy:  Methods of transforming unresolved complex trauma and addressing autistic embodiment within art practice

This research explores the creation of costume, performance, and the embodiment of metaphorical armour as a means to process and transform unresolved complex trauma associated with lived experience, for neurodivergent people. Utilising my personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic individual, the study investigates how trauma alters one’s existence, mental health, and physical well-being. Through the creation of physical forms that represent metaphorical armour, this work explores the hypothesis that trauma survivors can retrain their nervous systems to mitigate the perception of danger in non-threatening situations. The impact of complex trauma on mental health is elucidated, revealing its capacity to induce feelings of worthlessness, shame, and emotional dysregulation, alongside physical manifestations that may predispose individuals to various health issues. This inquiry employs performance as a vital tool for self-actualisation, utilising practices such as mindfulness, grounding, and movement exercises to facilitate transformation. In this context I use the word transformation to indicate experiential benefits such as individual empowerment and reduced anxiety. Additionally, the case study of the Wearable Sculpture Workshop exemplifies the dissemination of these practices, emphasising trauma-informed care in creative processes to minimise re-traumatisation. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of trauma through embodied practices, highlighting the potential for creative expression to foster resilience and recovery for neurodivergent people. First, using myself as a case study, I describe how unresolved complex trauma has altered my life and how unpacking my complex trauma has led to understanding my neurodivergence. Secondly, through performance, I embody this metaphorical armour and create actions to process and transform my trauma through methods including self-actualisation, breathing, grounding, mindfulness, and movement exercises (Qigong). As a case study, I present the experience of my Wearable Sculpture Workshops, in which I shared the practice of processing and transformation with participants through grounding exercises and the constructing of protective costumes by hand. The workshops were facilitated using the principles of trauma-informed care to avoid re-traumatisation. The workshop process resulted in positive feedback from participants with an emphasis on the calming effects of mindfulness meditations and creative actions. Lastly, I present the interviews of three neurodivergent artists, conducted to access insight into shared and different experiences as Autistic and Autistic with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AuDHD) creative people navigating ableist society.

Publisher

University of Galway

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

cbn

Collections

University of Galway Theses (PhD Theses)