Trauma can be one of the most fundamental accelerators of the individuation process. We know from neuroscience that the human body is where developmental, generational and collective trauma resides. This can offer the opportunity for a new spiritual and cultural development instead of the tragic re-enactment of the original wounding.
In the Indian psyche our gods and goddesses play a major role in protecting the individual and communities. This archetypal shield offers safety and ensures survival in times of extreme distress. However individuals in later generations have to work to reclaim what has been cast aside in the interests of survival. A deeper safety needs a descent of the gods into the autonomic nervous system.
I hope to illustrate the process through the stories of women from my practice who have renegotiated trauma in their body and psyche, integrating the mythic and the somatic.
