I do not have any formal training as you do Milli, in using stories to help others, but as a voracious reader since age 6, have been aware of the power of stories to transform lives. The stories we tell ourselves about who we are can be really powerful and positive. Or not. I have watched others create what they feel is a coherent story to fit the circumstances of their lives and this story, while first appearing to keep them safe, has actually been a story that has prevented them from moving forward in a way that would optimise their lives. So stories can be stunting as well as expansive.
And living up to someone else's story (as grown children sometimes do in relation to their parents), can mean you miss out on creating your own unique story, which is really sad.
I do not have any formal training as you do Milli, in using stories to help others, but as a voracious reader since age 6, have been aware of the power of stories to transform lives. The stories we tell ourselves about who we are can be really powerful and positive. Or not. I have watched others create what they feel is a coherent story to fit the circumstances of their lives and this story, while first appearing to keep them safe, has actually been a story that has prevented them from moving forward in a way that would optimise their lives. So stories can be stunting as well as expansive.
And living up to someone else's story (as grown children sometimes do in relation to their parents), can mean you miss out on creating your own unique story, which is really sad.