Theresa Strutt: On Empathy and Trauma Transformation
Since she began her studies in the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program in September 2024, MPACS student Theresa Strutt has been reflecting critically on the way that peace processes can both combat and reinforce existing structural inequalities in our society.
Understanding conflict has been an interest of Theresa’s since she was just twelve years old. She chose to pursue the study of conflict in her post-secondary education, motivated by her passion and her own personal experiences: “I think in many ways, for me, my own suffering and trauma further connected me towards other people, solidifying my journey into conflict studies", she says.
In April of 2024, Theresa received her undergraduate degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from the University of Ottawa. Now, Theresa is diving into the MPACS program as the next step in her peacebuilding journey.
Theresa’s passion lies in the gendered impacts of conflict and their relationship to peacebuilding, as well as the intersection between peacebuilding and Indigenous rights. Historically, she explained, peacebuilding has ignored Indigenous perspectives, imposing a top-down approach. Because of this, Theresa is interested in further exploring bottom-up approaches to peacebuilding.
Reflecting on her MPACS journey so far, Theresa noted the role that her peers have played in her learning. The program’s small cohort size, and the emphasis on knowledge sharing in seminars has impacted her understanding of peace:
Hearing other people share their own lived experiences, along with their own ideas, has profoundly deepened my learning experience.
The incorporation of experiential learning in the MPACS program is what initially sparked her interest, as she was excited to apply theoretical understandings of conflict in a practical context.
Prior to her studies in MPACS, Theresa was already extremely cognisant of the real-world implications of injustice and structural inequalities. While working as a social support worker for unhoused people struggling with substance abuse, she saw the way that stigmatization affects people with active addiction. Remedying this stigma begins with empathy and active listening, something that Theresa has learned the importance of through both her studies and her career. She reflected on a time when a participant told her that she made them feel seen when they were so used to feeling invisible— an exchange that she holds close to her heart.
I believe we can make changes in this world by building deep connections with one another as humans. To connect with others is to be changed and transformed.
The idea of transformation, specifically when dealing with trauma, is another aspect that Theresa is eager to learn more about through her studies in MPACS. The program has deepened her understanding of the intersections between trauma, conflict, and transformation, and introduced her to the idea of trauma transformation as a mode for peacebuilding.
At times, studying peace and conflict can be overwhelming; the more you learn, the more you understand that everything is connected to the same structures that reinforce oppression, conflict, and violence.
Theresa’s interest lies in humanitarian assistance, a field where there is significant potential to create positive change in the world. At the same time, however, she is aware that peace professions are still subject to the same oppressive structures that they strive to dismantle. As she reckons with this knowledge in her own peacebuilding journey, she continually returns to the idea of trauma transformation: a concept that she hopes to incorporate into her future career.
While navigating the complex and often overwhelming world of conflict and peacebuilding, Theresa notes the importance of taking time to rest.
No matter what, adjusting to a new academic level is always challenging, as you are pushing yourself to grow and learn. It can be easy to get lost in the coursework and neglect to prioritize yourself and well-being during the adjustment period.
As a piece of advice to new MPACS students, Theresa emphasizes how crucial it is to take time for yourself: pursuing hobbies, engaging with your passions, and setting boundaries with yourself. She notes the importance of creating balance in your personal life while studying a field where you are frequently exposed to the hardships of others.
As she finds this balance and discovers where her goals fit into the world of peacebuilding, Theresa has a bright future in the MPACS program and beyond.
By Alivia Schill