Exploring Language and Space at the Intersection of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Have you ever wondered how language can shape our experience of the spaces we live in, especially for those carrying the weight of past trauma? I had the opportunity to delve into this topic extensively when I presented at the conference “OCD in Society: The Language of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” which took place at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland on June 7th, 2024. During my presentation, titled “The Role of Language in the Spatial Experiences of CSA Survivors with OCD: An Ethnographic Approach to Visual and Verbal Narratives,” I shared the preliminary findings of my ongoing research.

The Intersection of Language and Trauma

Language is a powerful tool influencing how we perceive and interact with the world. For survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), language becomes a means of navigating their trauma and managing their condition. My research explores how these survivors use both verbal and nonverbal communication to create and maintain ‘safe’ spaces, whether physical or digital.

Through in-depth qualitative interviews and visual ethnography, I investigate the impact of CSA on survivors’ spatial experiences. The study examines how linguistic expression in CSA survivors intersects with the language patterns seen in OCD, revealing how these individuals use language to cope with their trauma and OCD symptoms.

Visual and Verbal Narratives: A Dual Approach

One of the unique aspects of my research is the use of visual ethnography to complement traditional interviews. This approach includes photos, survivor-led video tours, and spatial mapping, providing a vibrant and tangible lens to understand how survivors with OCD reconstruct and reclaim their spaces. These visual narratives add depth to the verbal accounts, helping to illuminate the complex interplay between trauma, language, and space.

During my presentation, I shared poignant insights from my interviews. Survivors spoke about how their compulsions and rituals are linked to an intense need for safety. Phrases like “I thought I could have died if I hadn’t made those gestures over and over again” and “I feel stuck in this ritual” highlight the crucial role these actions play in their daily lives. Despite the demands of these rituals, they are essential for survival and coping.

Therapeutic Insights and Empathetic Engagement

Understanding the linguistic and spatial practices of CSA survivors with OCD offers valuable therapeutic insights. We can better support survivors in their healing journeys by examining how language can create and define ‘safe’ places. The research underscores the importance of empathetic engagement, encouraging us to listen and visually connect with the realities of living with the dual impact of CSA trauma and OCD.

Please feel free to delve deeper into my research and findings by watching the full video of my presentation. I believe it will offer more insights and help to enhance understanding of the critical intersection of language, trauma, and space.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on creating safe and culturally attuned spaces.