Wolf Publishing / Power of Storytelling

Oral Storytelling

and its transformative power

You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.

Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus

Deeper Connection

Why

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).

Increasing Empathy

Why

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).
When a child listens to the unfolding drama of a story orally told, their aural attention is focused, creative imagination stirred as they follow the hero's ordeal, growth and transformation.

Increasing Empathy

How

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).

Excellent for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning delays

Why

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).
When a child listens to the unfolding drama of a story orally told, their aural attention is focused, creative imagination stirred as they follow the hero's ordeal, growth and transformation.
The storyteller is tuned-in and speaks with the right speed and emphasis to suit the child's needs.

Movement

Why

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).

Therapeutic Storytelling

Why

"The power of story-listening to alter consciousness in pleasant ways increases its usefulness as an intervention that is neither anxiety provoking nor re-traumatising" (Billington in Honos-Webb et al,, 2001)
Storytelling as a therapeutic intervention is an ancient medicine, and anecdotally has been pivotal in the achievement of positive outcomes for many therapists and informally confirmed by those who invite client into the transitional space and begin to tell a story (Billington, 2001).
Several research studies support the effectiveness of storytelling as a way to heal trauma (Crawford et. al., 2004; Honos-Webb et. al., 2003).
Children enjoy the freedom of make-believe and "although a story enters the mind like a Trojan Horse, the child's imagination is far from passive"(Billington, 2016).
Story metaphors enable ideas to bypass the 'logical watchdog' of the conscious brain and are rarely resisted by the listener (Billington in Crawford et. al., 2004).

Therapeutic Storytelling

How

Several research studies support the effectiveness of storytelling as a way to heal trauma (Crawford et. al., 2004; Honos-Webb et. al., 2003).
Children enjoy the freedom of make-believe and most children respond well to stories that are suspenseful and even a little bit 'scary'.

Deeper Connection

References

Billington, K. (2016). Therapeutic Storytelling. Sydney Centre for Creative Change.

Crawford, R., Brown, B. & Crawford, P. (2004). Storytelling in Therapy. Cheltenham, U.K. Nelson Thornes Ltd.

Honos-Webb, L., Sunwolf, & Shapiro, J. (2001). Towards the re-enchantment of psychotherapy: The container model of storying in treatment. Humanistic Psychologist, 29, 70-97.

Parkinson, R. (2009). Transforming Tales: how stories can change people. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Honos-Webb, L., Sunwolf, & Shapiro, J. (2001). Towards the re-enchantment of psychotherapy: the container model of storying in treatment. Humanistic Psychologist, 29, 70-97.

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