APPCIOS Conference, 24th September 2023
Enactment & Environment
This was my first ever APPCIOS conference and I started the morning with a bit of trepidation which I usually do when faced with something new. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the day which ended with a number of take-aways.
The day started with a presentation from Katarina Horrox from Venture Trust discussing outdoor therapy programs and the use of green and blue spaces in delivering therapy. We all understand how spending time in natural environments is good for us and generally lifts our mood as we feel that sense of interconnection and regeneration from being outside in the elements. Katarina stated how ‘it helps to develop an ecological sense of self’. And clients in the programme have the autonomy to decide which space suits them best. I love being in wooded areas under trees or rugged cliff tops near water and was interested to hear that areas chosen are often thought to reflect something of a client’s inner world. The program was brought to life by a beautiful presentation by Tilly of his work with Mr K and how together they found a shared language through their love of bikes. Tilly witnessed Mr K’s use of his bike, like a transitional object, within the physical open space he had chosen which enabled a gradual shift into a reflective internal space. Tilly described his growing sense of being internalized as a good object with the memorable words from Mr K that he had become a ‘good cunt’. The final heart stopping moment of their work together was a visit to the bridge where Mr K had anticipated ending his own life, mirrored by Tilly’s powerful countertransference of a desire to throw himself off the bridge. I found both of these presentations fascinating as they challenged my perception of the therapeutic frame. I questioned why I had been so fixed on the idea of one way: one room, one chair, one couch. It is unlikely the Mr K would have engaged in this way if this was his only option. It illustrated to me that sometimes we need to flex and demonstrate some fluidity in meeting the needs of clients.
During the afternoon we were given a moving and thought provoking performance from Semblance Theatre facilitated by Jason Mitchell. We watched two separate performances of potential foster family dynamics and interactions. Jason explained that performances like these are given to prospective foster parents to deepen their understanding of their children, many of whom will have experienced significant trauma in their lives. As we watched family dynamics unfold, we were given a powerful sense of the children’s lived experience through the words of Alice and the deep sense of shame she carried and how frightened and confused she felt. We were asked to think about what was being enacted, the splitting, and the ‘getting through’ which required taking in some of the suffering. We were witness to the complexities of dynamics. We saw how the greatest shifts in relationships developed through the most challenging of moments. For me, the scenes were painful to watch as my defences were mobilised about the confusion and pain existing in Alice’s inner world. I reflected back on my six years spent working with Children’s Services. My experience of working with families whose foster placements had indeed broken down during this time. I was left with a feeling of gratitude towards Jason and the vital work of Semblance Theatre, but also some sadness that the families I had worked with had not had access to something similar.
The conference felt like such a worthwhile and productive day, expertly hosted by Emma Higgs and Devika Dhar. I now have a much clearer idea about the scope and extent of the work of APPCIOS and I will be returning once again next year.