Affective spectrality in therapeutic space. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liddicoat, Stephanie
• Is Part Of: Emotion, space and society. Volume 32(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Affect -- Spectrality -- Built environment -- Mental health; Emotions -- Periodicals; Spatial behavior -- Periodicals; Space perception -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2019.100588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4586

Abstract

Abstract: Spaces for therapy and counselling are haunted spaces, spaces whose physical characteristics can manifest past inhabitation and cue connections to trauma. This paper explores findings from a research project which aimed to understand the perceptions of spatiality of individuals who self harm, and the role of the built environment in supporting therapeutic processes and experience. The data collection and analysis were designed to preserve the integrity of the voices of mental health service users who self harm and communicate their self-reported spatial perceptions. Comparisons between lived/embodied experiences, analysis of intrinsic properties of accounts and exploration of therapeutic sites underpinned the findings relative to the psycho-cognitive geographies of experiences. This paper explores how individuals who self harm experience particular connections between physical and psychological spaces, how their self-reported encounter with interior space is overlaid with the inhabitation of past occupants and memories, which reduces opportunities for access to the therapeutically supportive dimensions of the space, and exercises in self production. This paper first defines 'haunted space' 'trace' and 'trauma'; secondly reviews existing literature on affective spectrality, atmospheres and materialites; thirdly discusses the methods used in the study reported in this paper; and finally, explores the relationships between sensory encounters, affective traces, signifiers, felt architecture and the therapeutic function for which spaces are designed. The paper concludes with implications for future research and practice. Highlights: Affective spectrality in therapy rooms reduces access to therapeutic support. Affective materialities and sensory encounter trigger connection to narratives. Connections to rituals made possible through affective spectrality. Atmospheres are catalyst for new awareness and explore social intersections. Explores destabilizing possibilities of trace within the counselling workspace.