In this lecture, Darren Abrahams unpacks what trauma really is, how our defense mechanisms shape our reactions, and how to navigate group regulation and dysregulation in trauma-informed art practices.
He also walks us through a case, showing the stages of intervention and the leadership styles that work best at each step.
Darren Abrahams is a singer, trauma therapist, and co-founder of The Human Hive, which trains trauma practitioners, as well as the One World Orchestra, an ensemble exploring the idea of “home” through music.
The lecture took place during the Trauma-Informed Art School, part of Healing Arts Lviv — a project held from July 20 to 27, 2025, in Lviv. It brought together artists, educators, healthcare and social workers, government representatives, and international organizations to explore art as a tool for healing.
The project was implemented by the NGO Art Dot with the support of the Vidnova Lab program and in collaboration with the Lviv City Council, King’s College London, Unbroken Art, the Home of Sound (LME Lviv Radio), and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, WHO.