Storytelling as a Healing Process

Storytelling is a living exchange of spoken words with all the nuances of communication (tone, cadence, gestures, facial expressions, etc.) and direct interaction with the listener. The relationship that is forged between teller and listener is the groundwork of this process. While the audience shares the story experience, each listener recreates their own version of the tale in their imagination and each gleans their own meaning and insight.

Story can lend narrative structure to events that might otherwise seem random and meaningless and offers possible ways to make sense of the world. This emotionally engaging experience can be empowering and profound. One tale often evokes another, whether it is personal history or traditional tales that come to the listener’s mind. During group work, subjects that may have been difficult to broach initially could later be discussed in the light of the story. Listeners may choose to shift from talking about the story to sharing its relevance to their own lives.

Storytellers engaged in this work consider many other components for developing a storytelling session such as; shaping their own version of the story, the sequencing of stories, how to best end the session, being receptive to audience reaction, gaining experience with a repertoire of tales for specifically focused work, involving other art forms for processing exercises and creating a safe environment for your listeners. Many storytellers team up with other professionals for these efforts. Guiding this storytelling work is the intention held by the storyteller and their community partners.