Oral Storytelling
and its transformative power
Deeper Connection
Why
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"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)
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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
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"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)
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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).
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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.
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The storyteller is tuned-in and speaks with the right speed and emphasis to suit the child's needs.
Movement
Why
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"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
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"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).
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Several research studies support the effectiveness of storytelling as a way to heal trauma (Crawford et. al., 2004; Honos-Webb et. al., 2003).
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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).
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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
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Several research studies support the effectiveness of storytelling as a way to heal trauma (Crawford et. al., 2004; Honos-Webb et. al., 2003).
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Children enjoy the freedom of make-believe and most children respond well to stories that are suspenseful and even a little bit 'scary'.
References
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Billington, K. (2016). Therapeutic Storytelling. Sydney Centre for Creative Change.
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Crawford, R., Brown, B. & Crawford, P. (2004). Storytelling in Therapy. Cheltenham, U.K. Nelson Thornes Ltd.
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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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Parkinson, R. (2009). Transforming Tales: how stories can change people. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
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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.
Glimpses from Oral Storytelling Sessions

Introduction and Welcome

Acknowledgement of Country with Tamia Manmurulu. Photo: www.anthonycheung.photography

Acknowledgment of Country with Tamia Manmurulu. Photo: www.anthonycheung.photography

World Storytelling Day 2019 Adult session: "Journey through the Tirolean myths". Photo: www.anthonycheung.photography

World Storytelling Day Adult session performance, "Journey through the Tirolean myths". Photo: www.anthonycheung.photography

Performing Austrian myth "Frau Hitt" Photo: www.anthonycheung.photography

World Storytelling Day Library at the Docks

Sharing Austrian culture

Practicing story performance

SYD 2018

Photo: www.tatianaccscott.com.au

Telling "The Tiger Who Loved to Sing" www.tatianaccscott.com.au