Dean Walsh and Andrew Batt-Rawden will commence this workshop guiding participants through a series of structured explorations and improvisations in movement, sensory awareness, sound immersions and deep breathing techniques derived from yoga Pranayamas and both scuba and freediving environmentally immersive practices.
Participants can choose to observe and/or physically engage with this movement segment of the workshop. No-one will be pressured to participate in any movement mode they do not feel ready for, or comfortable with. There will be absolutely no pressure to disclose personal information. The workshop will be delivered sensitively, authentically, yet explicitly.
Following this practical component, Dean and Andrew will discuss experiential insights as survivors of childhood sexual abuse and how these acts of trespass have affected their personal perspectives of their masculinity and gender.
As professional artists, both men draw from sophisticated creative methods used for choreography and music composition. They will discuss and demonstrate how research aspects of their art practices are linked to the relationship between their artistic practice, sexual/gendified abuse healing in public, private and natural spaces and how these relate to wider creative communication. These include; embodied approaches to marine environmental awareness and bio-data-responsive sound compositions.
This workshop is also open to anyone living with physical and / or neurological diversity / disability. Dean Walsh has extensive experience working creatively with people living with disability. He identifies as living with hidden disability - Asperger’s Syndrome/ADHD and complex trauma disorder.
Additional support:
Sexual and mental health clinician, Marie Rockford, will be on hand should anyone need to discuss anything with her. She will share some insights she has gained in her many years of practice as a mental and sexual health clinician and where people can seek professional assistance in Sydney in sexual abuse counseling.
Craig Hughes-Cashmore, co-founder of the national government funded organisation Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN), will also be in attendance and will conduct a ten minute info session on SAMSN; a not-for-profit organisation working to increase public awareness of the effects that childhood sexual abuse can have on men in their adult lives. SAMSN employs psychologists and social workers who have experience working with male survivors to facilitate support groups for men and their families and supporters.
Disclaimer:
As this is not intended as group therapy, in any official context, we advise that if you are a victim of child sex abuse currently undergoing treatment, please ask your therapist's advice on your participation.
