This qualitative research explores creative movement processes such as dance/movement therapy (DMT), authentic movement (AM), and creative dance (CD) as possible tools for transforming sexual trauma for women. Eleven movement professionals were interviewed in a semi-structured research format. My direct experience and knowledge of sexual abuse, sexual trauma, and creative movement processes are interwoven with the research question: do creative dance/movement therapy processes contribute to the dynamic of healing for women transforming sexual trauma? These findings are inconclusive for the greater population of survivors of sexual abuse and sexual trauma. However, there are indications that DMT, AM, and CD may be potential tools for recovery. This research contributes to a dialogue about sexual abuse and recovery from sexual trauma.ii Acknowledgements There are so many people that helped make this project possible. First, Iwould like to thank my partner, Michael for always being there and supporting me throughout the process. I would also like to thank my thesis support group which consisted of Meredith, Mindy, and Sara, who gave me continual encouragement throughout the project. I want to thank my thesis advisor Rachel for providing expertise editing and academic support during my research process. I am extremely grateful to all of my friends that helped with the intense editing process. I would like to send special gratitude to my creative dance community, and friends Andrea and Joanie for pulling me through the last portion of my thesis process. Thank you, thank you, words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of you! iii Dedication This thesis is presented as a gift to all women and children who have experienced sexual abuse and managed, through the tears, anger, and frustration, to transform themselves body, soul, and spirit. Though the grieving process is long and painful, I hope your process of healing brings gifts of light and love. May your trauma become your gift of transformation, and may your body become your healer and caregiver.
Introduction and Statement of IntentIn order to transform your trauma you must travel through your own inner world. Once you've moved your trauma, you are never the same.When your torch has touched the source of pain, it'll never be the same (B. Bernstein, personal communication, October 9, 2009). This paper describes a study of the problem of sexual abuse and sexual assault/attacks inflicted upon women, and the consequential development of sexual trauma and post-abuse effects. Creative movement modalities are presented as possible tools for helping women to transform sexual trauma. This interdisciplinary, organic, and heuristic research creates new knowledge from a synthesis of the fields: trauma healing, trauma psychology, neuroscience, conflict transformation, and creative movement processes. A wide range of disciplines were explored in order to fully analyze the research question: do creative dance/movement therapy processes contribute to the dynamic o...