Leveraging Adlerian Practice to Transform Trauma Into Hope, Healing, and Resistance

Abstract: Utilizing Adlerian principles of Gemeinschaftsgefühl , belonging, and collective reflection, my work leverages the healing powers of the creative self to help survivors of sexual violence. In 2014, one of my poems ignited a global social justice movement to upend victim blaming. This experience highlighted the potential of writing as a tool for social justice. In 2022, I developed writing workshops designed to enable survivors to reclaim their stories. These workshops provide a safe space for creative expression, fostering healing and belonging. Participants realize they are not defined by their trauma but can determine the meaning of their experiences. This reflective narrative examines the intersection of personal and professional growth within my Adlerian journey, shaped by my experiences with trauma and healing.