Contemporary research describes trauma as being experienced through, and living in bodies (van der Kolk, 2014). As a Western therapist and academic, my worldview and education have often privileged human bodies over other-than-human bodies and entities. Working alongside children (most often whom are Māori and/or Pasifika) in Aotearoa has supported a shift in my understanding, renewing an innate sense for me that mauri (lifeforce) flows through everything and that human to human therapy is seldom enough when working with children and communities affected by trauma. 

This presentation will offer insight into working in school communities where the affects of trauma are present. Natural disaster, grief, and attachment disruptions will be explored through the power of collective storying and (k)new materialist theory (Meyer, 2013) in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Aotearoa's founding document. Art materials, products and the various stuff and things (Bennet, 2009) present in the therapy room have agency and become strong allies for children as they find ways to support their healing journeys. As a therapist, my aim is not to teach skills or direct, rather, it is to support the agency of all beings and bodies in space, human and other than, empowering children to access the resources in their everyday worlds to support their healing. To āta, gently slow down, to notice, reflect and reignite what is already known deep in the bodies of these incredible little beings is where the magic of creative arts therapy comes alive.

Consent has been granted to share anonymous stories, vital art works and materials to offer a close in, tangible taste of the vibrant matter (Bennet, 2009) ever present in the lives of the children and school communities I have the privilege of working alongside.