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Local Trauma Survivor Wins Grant to Perform Songs in Healing Project
Local trauma survivor René Bouchard (55, Huntington Station) has won grant support to perform a series of original songs exploring complex trauma and dissociation on April 20, 2024. The fully-contextualized multi-media performance, titled "DIALOGUE: A Personal Exploration of Trauma-Related Dissociation through Song," will take place at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, New York.
Bouchard, an artist, writer, and musician, has been living with the effects of complex trauma and dissociation for decades. In early 2023, she experienced a severe re-traumatizing event that led to an escalation of symptoms, including persistent and disruptive flashbacks. It was during this time that Bouchard was introduced to the psychological model of Secondary Structural Dissociation (SSD), which helped her to understand her flashbacks as an expression of a trauma-holding part of herself.
"When I learned about SSD, for the first time in my life I was able to meet this part with curiosity instead of shame," says Bouchard. "I asked the part what it wanted and discovered that this part simply wanted to be seen and acknowledged. So I gave this part compassionate attention. The outcome for me at this time was meaningful relief from flashbacks."
Bouchard began writing songs as a way to further explore the parts that had been created through trauma-related dissociation, to give them voice, to nurture cooperation, and explore the potential for integration. The resulting songs are deeply personal and moving, offering a unique glimpse into her inner world, and a path to greater self-compassion and self-curiosity that can be relatable for anyone.
"My hopes for this project are to increase awareness and understanding of dissociation as a coherent response to complex trauma, to reduce stigma, to elevate creative expression as a way to promote healing, and to create community connections," says Bouchard.
Bouchard will be joined by guitarist David Romanelli for the performance. While the language and imagery of the Dialogue performance is broadly emotional and avoids specific details of traumatic experiences, a licensed social worker and trauma specialist will be on site to support attendees as needed.
DIALOGUE: A Personal Exploration of Trauma-Related Dissociation through Song will take place on April 20, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the Cinema Arts Centre, located at 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743. Admission is free, but donations to support Bouchard’s art fund are encouraged.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.
