Retraumatization

Abstract

Trauma is complicated enough on its own, but aspects of personal identity such as gender, sexuality, and mental illness can make coping and recovery even more complicated. My multi-genre portfolio, "Retraumatization" contains pieces of fiction and non-fiction centered around how people, in trying to cope with their private traumas, can obsess and deteriorate to such a degree that they make things worse for themselves. However, my work also touches on non-conventional ways in which people learn to heal from said traumas--not necessarily therapy, but through relationships with other traumatized people. A common therapy maxim is that "recovery isn't a straight line." "Retraumatization" is a collection about less conventional ways in which trauma can exhibit, and the equally unconventional means through which people can begin recovery.