Oxford 2023, Master Series on Trauma
by Bob Spensley and Kim Barthel
“Standing here in the belly of the dragon of Colonialism…*” and also being in the same places where Isaac Newton and countless others of immense knowledge and influence have stood and shared their contributions to the societies of their times – Kim and I recently had a series of privileged opportunities to reflect on the sources from which trauma can arise and - what we might do to create positive change.
Kim and I were participating in the Masters Series on Trauma and Mental Health at Oxford, where Kim had been invited by Unyte to speak about the Safe and Sound Protocol: Opening a Window towards the Conscious Evolution of the Human Spirit.
We met and shared passions with dedicated professionals from around the world – after and whilst getting fairly lost moving between the many historic and architecturally beautiful colleges, every viewshed offering a remembrance of scholars past. For reference, Oxford was founded as one of the first universities in the world, with its teaching beginning in 1096; its alumni includes 28 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, 12 saints, and 50 Nobel Prize winners. More recently, the same settings we were learning in served as various sets from the Harry Potter series, appropriately including locations within Hogwarts’ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The topics at this conference on trauma were widespread, and the learning experiences were intended as both cerebral and embodied. One opportunity that was realized was to honour 3 men together whose ongoing contributions to the understanding of the field of trauma have been immeasurable: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Stephen Porges and Dr. Peter Levine. For Kim and I, we had as sleeping quarters a dorm room at Christ Church College with views of cows out the window that was the likely the same view as it would have been for students there for several hundreds of years. Falling asleep after full days surrounded by this location’s history with its deep silence, we began to reflect on the priceless moments that we were investing in being with very special colleagues. Some of the inspiring people we shared space with who we would like to honour are the team at Unyte of Jon Tafler, Leah Dawang, Becca Lill and Marcelo Sena.
Dr. Sue Carter (Oxytocin), Dr. Cathy Malchiodi (Expressive Art Therapy), Yann Sonneck and Dr. Delphine Dépy Carron (Executive Coaches based in Rennes, France), Florence Bernardand Marc Maouad from Quantum Way in France), Linda Thai whose very essence spoke of dignity for all, Stephan Chmelik (founder of Sensate), OTs Regina and Emir from Ireland (Hand in Hand Occupational Therapy, Dr. Aimie Apigian, Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Peter on the front lines of LGBTQIA+ in Texas), Dr. Nóra Kerekes from Sweden introducing yoga in criminal justice, AjoiA (polyvagal informed music), Randall Redfield from the Polyvagal Institute and of course there were many others making valuable contributions.
Topics that stood out at this conference are that minds, sensory systems and bodies need acknowledgement in the understanding of trauma and its treatment, the new technologies that support (and not replace) human connection and treatment and the many forces/dynamics that contribute to trauma. These include any time or situation in which someone is feeling less than, unequal and “unsafe” - with racism, gender imbalances and all other forms of “isms” needing our individual awareness.
Given the plethora of inequalities, injustices and anxieties across the globe, by the end of the conference there was a call to work together for mental health advocacy, for increased access to treatment, and for the responsible use of technology (including social media, artificial intelligence and the emergence of psychedelics). We feel it’s the adjusting and blending of technologies that will enhance the magic of human interventions, and the connectedness between unique individuals…As Dr. Stephen Porges unequivocally reminded us, “We are here to help make the world a better place.” Coming together in Oxford at this time, with possibly an unparalled will to lean in to these difficult topics, it’s our perception that as participants and speakers we generally left with overall hope - despite the immense suffering we witness and experience in our own professions and personal lives.
Changes are needed, and they aren’t all to be addressed in highly educational or even clinical therapy settings; the changes needed are both societal and deeply personal within us. We believe we must each look at ourselves with compassion, connect with and feel our feelings, reflect how we consciously intend to influence others around us, and also bravely assess the impact that may be being received as a result of our actions.
How privileged are we, and how much responsibility we feel, to be doing what we can to increase dignity, inclusion, and emotional safety with people around us one person at a time, to have the health and relative freedom of movement and means to put our energy towards walking the walk with as much grace, authenticity, playfulness and open minds and hearts as we can muster.
Certainly, we are leaving with more genuine friends who we are already looking forward to reconnecting with. Ultimately, there are two key take-aways for both Kim and I. One) there are decidedly friendly people doing amazing things in complex scenarios all over the world – we just haven’t all met each other yet. And Two) collaborations are what it’s all about. These are the basic thoughts we have as we depart “unyted” from this recent adventure.
Now onwards to the next!
*This statement was aptly noted by Linda Thai at the very start of her presentation on Fawning, Appeasement and the Somatics of Trauma within the Dynamics of Oppressive Systems in the Sheldonian (arguably the heart of Oxford) – a dramatic reminder of the impacts of past words spoken from this very stage, and the potential influence we all have for ill as well as for good…