Queer Expressions
Queer Expressions is a thoughtful and sensitive resource for anyone working therapeutically with queer people and their experiences of trauma. I particularly appreciated the attention given to pre-screening and considering what practices might bring up for people. This feels especially important when working with the body, and the discussion around breathwork was a good reminder to consider medical conditions and individual circumstances before introducing particular practices.
I also appreciated the emphasis on adapting practices within expressive arts and somatic therapy. Tracing parts of the body can be a familiar practice, but for many queer people, focusing directly on particular parts of their body can be distressing. I particularly liked the example of someone using a mannequin and saw it as a lovely example of the adaptations we can offer. I hope examples like this inspire practitioners to think more creatively about different relationships to the body.
I also appreciated the book’s critique of the idea of the “safe space”. This brought to mind Elise Ahenkorah’s writing about Accountable Spaces, which challenges the idea that we can simply promise people a safe space and instead asks us to consider accountability, impact and responsibility. I found this particularly relevant in therapeutic spaces, where our intention to create safety does not necessarily mean someone will experience a space as safe. For me, accountability means remaining responsive and willing to adapt.
Overall, I appreciated the book’s invitation to approach expressive and somatic practices with curiosity, flexibility and care rather than assuming one approach will work for every body. I particularly valued the space it creates for body autonomy and different ways of relating to the body. We need more books like this: books that centre queer experiences, encourage thoughtful adaptation and offer practical ways for practitioners to make their work more responsive. It is a valuable contribution to queer-affirming therapeutic practice.
Found here: https://link.amazon/B0at9wHiU
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