Trauma & Art

On attachment …..

The process of dealing with trauma often requires the re-examining of early attachment history – events and dynamics, memories and meaning making of these experiences – because early patterns of relating often determine or influence later relational patterns. As I practice mindfulness and engage with (visual) journaling, understanding shifts and connections across life experiences are naturally made, For this reason, I am posting an extract of a lengthy exam-assignment I wrote in 2011. However, as I mention in the conclusion of this essay, it is important to bear in mind that all produced knowledges are always situated in particular time and spatial contexts and reflect levels of understanding and knowledge within these contexts. Also, new research findings and work may shed a different light on issues and theories or furhter support knowledge and prior conclusions. If for instance, I had access to additional resources like Dan Siegel and Alan Schore’s, as well as many others’ work and findings in 2011, this would have further enriched my discussion. For example, Dan Siegel claims that ‘there is a very strong connection between early attachment history, later development and adult attachment styles and ‘there is overwhelming empirical support for the fact that early experience is a powerful force of development’ (From The Verdict is In by Alan Stroufe and Dan Siegel). Furthermore, if I had written this essay today it would probably have been informed by an interpersonal neurobiological perspective, as well as, and my own deeper understanding of certain areas. Finally, a course assignment is usually bound by a certain word count, time limitations, as well as, the theoretical orientation of the educational context.

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