The Eye of the Survivor: Why Storytelling Matters in Suicide Prevention

In this course, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D., psychologist, professional speaker, and impact entrepreneur, observes that it is stories, not facts, which motivate us to change and shift the narrative from a “dark place”. Narrative psychology is seen to be particularly capable of generating self-empowerment through imposing structure on the chaos of the loss; thus, individuals are helped. Spencer-Thomas explains how the release of different hormones helps listeners during storytelling, and she illustrates how stories are good for culture as well, as they sweep away old myths. Spencer-Thomas offers tips and advice on how to get started telling a suicide story, and outlines the important elements in the structure of the story, such as the heart story and the hero’s journey. Trauma-informed storytelling and safe messaging are important, and Spencer-Thomas delineates the characteristics of these.