Undoing the Splits: A relational field perspective on trauma - AAGT/EAGT Taormina Conference

Workshop with Miriam Taylor, MSc This workshop will attempt to contextualise trauma, starting from the individualistic and reductionistic focus of neuroscience research, and trace a journey towards an expanded relational field model. Some key concepts drawn from neuroscience will point to the integration of a neurobiological perspective in trauma therapy. The phenomenology of trauma will be briefly outlined in order to illustrate the mirroring of trauma in the wider field. The workshop aims to investigate the resolution of dichotomies inherent in trauma, and consider the ways in which psychotherapy may implicitly reinforce them. The workshop will close with an extended discussion period, considering some pre-determined questions and any others arising spontaneously. Learning Objectives:  After participating in this workshop, participants will be able to differentiate properties of different field dynamics in trauma work  After participating in this workshop, participants will be able to critically appraise some of the dichotomies inherent in psychotherapy of trauma Bio: Miriam Taylor is a UKCP registered Gestalt psychotherapist, supervisor and international trainer who has been in private practice since 1995. Her background was in adult education before training as a counsellor and psychotherapist. Working as clinical lead of a young peoples’ service, she developed an interest in trauma and for several years, she worked in a specialist trauma service. Miriam’s particular interest is in the relational integration of trauma and the role of the body. She teaches widely, is an examiner, and an associate of Relational Change. Publications include ‘Trauma Therapy and Clinical Practice: Neuroscience, Gestalt and the Body’, 2014.