The Healing Power of Stories Alli Griffin Sept. 30,

Where is the Power? Definitions Ways of Using Stories Benefits Going Digital Uniqueness – Who we are – How we live

Definitions Storyteller: one who writes or reads stories. Meaning Making: process by which we cope with death or loss, or trauma Digital Story: brief individual storylines created on a personal computer. It is personal to the creator, last two to five minutes, contain pictures, words, music, and video. ellstory.htm

Ways to Use Stories Communicating Educating and Informing Building rapport Establishing connections Inspiring and Encouraging Preserving cultural identity Recreating and Entertaining Clarifying emotions Remembering Translating memories into stories Coping with death, illness, tragedy Healing from loss Leaving a legacy Honoring the dying person’s final journey ellstory.htm

Benefits of Storytelling Stories translate memories into concrete matter that can be handed down. Stories help us explain the world. Stories help grievers to assimilate and accept the loss. Personal stories inspire others and can provide hope.

Going Digital Words once spoken, or typed in black and white, are now colorful movies. Counselors and health care workers use digital media to help children and adults “talk” about traumas and issues.issues The use of pictures, sounds, music and their voice gives them a place to share what they are feeling and it feels “safe”. Counseling Today, Dec. 2009

Types of Digital Stories Personal Narratives Historical Themes and Events based on student explored materials Stories that inform or instruct htm

A thought… “We are a society that in general denies grief, avoids the emotion whenever possible, and expects those grieving to quickly ‘deal with it’ and ‘get over the loss.’ In our fast-paced, efficiency-focused society, people often do not recognize the benefits of telling or listening to the story.” Dyer, 2001.

Each person has a story all their own. It is constantly changing and being rewritten by our actions and daily encounters. Our stories shape who we are and what we become. We are one unique story!

Resources Beagle, M & Hodges, D. (2009). Digital storytelling-What is your story? Retrieved from: Center for Digital Storytelling. (n.d). Center for Digital Storytelling. Retreived September 29, 2011, from Dorado, J. (2010). Who are we, but for the stories we tell: Family stories and healing. Psychology Trauma: Theory Research, Practice and Policy, Vol. 10, No. 3, doi: /a Dyer, K. (2001). The importance of telling (and listening) to the story. Retrieved from Jencius, M. (2009). Every picture tells a story. Counseling Today, Vol. 52, Issue 6, Pitts, M. (2006). CFK top article pick: Telling stories that teach, and heal. Retrieved from pick-telling-stories-that-healhttp://sparkaction.org/content/cfk-top-article- pick-telling-stories-that-heal