I Want You to See Me: The Healing Power of Supportive Storytelling
Rosie Best, MAT, LISW-S & Meg Kraner, LMSW | September 17 | 1:45-2:45 pm EDT
Topic: Art, Programming | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Stories matter. Voices matter. Experiences matter. Autonomy matters. In a time where our stories and our voices can be so quickly shared, widely accessed, and just as easily distorted, the See Me Project, is a platform for individuals who have been oppressed, marginalized, or exploited and gives them the reins on how they want to be seen, heard, understood, and supported. The See Me Project is a creative, collaborative piece with the intention of shining a light on the stories and experiences that are often ignored, forgotten, or altered and amplifies the voices of those who have been silenced by society or among their community. This presentation highlights the results collected and lessons learned from implementing the See Me Project with various populations. By exploring the intersection of theatre and therapy, this presentation shares tools on how to create spaces to amplify the voices of others, instead of telling the stories of others. Audience members will learn the personal and societal barriers that prevent us from truly seeing one another, while also exploring the concept of storytelling through a digital era, and will obtain a deeper level of understanding and connection across communities and populations. Participants will walk away with a greater ability to support clients, friends, peers, and strangers, through the process of claiming and sharing their stories. At a time when disenfranchisement is rife, the important elements of this program, such as informed consent, participants rights over their story, and egoless mentorship will be addressed.
Presentation Objectives:
• Provide education on the concepts of Narrative Therapy, therapeutic storytelling, and the intersection of theatre and healing
• Describe how to support clients in finding autonomy, authenticity, and purpose through the act of telling their story
• Explore the ways in which increased digital connection has impacted storytelling in the global community
• Explain the concepts, principles, and outcomes of the See Me Project(s)