The Traces of War: Trauma and Its Consequences

Overview

This talk with psychologist and psychotherapist Prof. Dr. Maria Böttche explores the lasting psychological imprints on humans left by wars and conflicts. As an expert around long-term effects of their traumatization, she has worked for many years with those affected by war and displacement as well as their subsequent generations. Paloma Frau, Director of Cultural Events & Programming at Fotografiska Berlin, is hosting the talk.

War may end, or you may be able to escape it – but its aftermath remains. In the conversation Böttche addresses the long-term psychological consequences that can emerge from such strong experiences, and how we as society, can respond positive in ways that promote the importance of mental health, acknowledge suffering, and foster collective understanding.

The talk takes place in the context of the exhibition by James Nachtwey, who has documented wars for decades to draw attention to the human cost of it. With your ticket you can visit his exhibition Memoria as well as all the others on the same day.

Image credit: Irpen, Ukraine 2022 © James Nachtwey Archive, Hood Museum of Art Dartmouth

About the speaker

Maria Böttche, Prof. Dr., is Professor of E-Mental Health and Transcultural Psychology at the Freie Universität Berlin. Previously, she served as Co-Head of the Scientific Department for Trauma and Transculturality at the Center ÜBERLEBEN in Berlin (formerly the Treatment Center for Torture Victims). She is the Deputy Chair of the German-speaking Society for Psychotraumatology (DeGPT) and a board member of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS). Her research focuses on the (internet-based) treatment of trauma-related disorders in hard-to-reach populations (e.g., Arabic-speaking individuals, refugees) as well as the assessment of trauma-related disorders, particularly in survivors of war and torture. She is also a licensed psychological psychotherapist with a specialization in behavioral therapy.

About the host

Paloma Frau is the Director of Cultural Events & Programming at Fotografiska Berlin, where she curates dynamic experiences at the intersection of art, culture, and community. With a background in dancing, as well as in the conception, direction and management across show, video and event projects, she combines creativity, precision, and a keen eye for storytelling.

Schedule

• 18:30 – Doors open
• 19:00 – Talk and Q&A
• 20:00 – Wrap up

Tickets

• 15 € – Talk (Incl. Museum Entry)
• 0 € – Fotografiska Members