What are the best ways to use storytelling in trauma-informed practice?

I agree that storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used in trauma-informed practice to help survivors process their experiences, build resilience, and connect with others. When used in a trauma-informed way, storytelling can help to create a safe space for survivors to share their stories. Help survivors to make sense of their experiences. Trauma can be confusing and disorienting, and storytelling can help survivors to process their experiences and to develop a more coherent narrative of their lives. Promote healing and resilience. Storytelling can help survivors to identify their strengths and coping mechanisms. It can also help them to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, and to feel less alone.

Storytelling is expressing. What a victim of any kind of trauma needs - is to be able to voice out their pain, anguish, trapped emotions and suffering. Storytelling can be a very powerful way of releasing the trapped emotional energy which is trapped in a vicious loop of self-pity, anger, depression and/or aggression... even self-loathing. Once released, the person doesn't only just feel lighter but also calmer - inside out.

Stories are shared depending on the level of trust with our audience. Often, this trust is not easily established. One thing that helps build this trust is through the stories of those with similar lived experience. Those who have not shared their stories openly may gain confidence and ease after hearing from a fellow survivor. For survivors of trafficking and other forms of violence, it is not enough for them to be in a safe space, they need to feel safe. For most, it is not just the physical space that determines this but the people around them. A sincere desire to listen to the survivors is felt by the storyteller. Withholding judgment and undivided attention make a huge difference to maintaining a safe space for storytelling.

One thing l find helpful is building a trusting relationship, no one wants to share their stories with someone they do not trust. Secondly believe the client’s stories as part of their unique experience. Many client’s l have talked to find it hard to tell their stories when they feel they are not being believed.

Safe space. Nothing is more powerful than to have someone to whom you can go without fear of any kind(s) to tell them your thoughts - deepest, darkest or turbulent... knowing fully well that that this is someone who will not judge you or incriminate you rather this is your mentor/guide and will guide you, correct you and provide the right feedback appropriately.

Communication that leads to real connection involves active listening and empathy. Active listening includes verbal as well as non-verbal cues. People make themselves most vulnerable when they are sharing their deepest concerns or issues.... if we are not empathetic in our responses - we may put off or scar them instead of healing them. Be kind. Be compassionate and respond appropriately. As Brene Brown succinctly puts across here in this statement - Empathy is a strange and powerful thing. There is no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of 'You’re not alone.'

Usage of stories - self or others having overcome similar adversities simply inspires and motivates the people if communicated in a positive way. It becomes a testament to the power of hope and resilient spirit. Take the example of a cancer survivor... looking at one speaking about their trials and triumphs gives others hopes and strength to overcome their pain and struggles. Similarly, using your own or others stories (with their due consent) can be a very empowering process for the people looking to come out of their travails.

When we travel by any airplane, one of the key instructions given is that, "in case of any emergency, first wear the oxygen mask yourself and then help others"..... it just demonstrates one simple fact. You have to take care of yourself first to be able to take care of others well. Self-care is not selfishness, self-care is not just time pass... it is healing for you. Do what is needed to keep your batteries charged up so that you can light up others lives with your knowledge and enlightenment.

There's a serious risk here to both the clients and the social workers. 1. Anyone suffering as a result of trauma could possibly benefit from trauma counselling. What is being proposed here would blur the lines and could cause the client to feel like the SW was a therapist. 2. Social workers are NOT therapists. They do not have the training or support needed for this role. 3. Trying to accomplish this idea could cause mental health issues for the SW. 4. Most trauma victims have an aversion to anyone they perceive as authorities and generally have trust issues. speaking about trauma needs to be confidential. This would not be the case with SW because risk management / concerns trump confidentiality.