The Eye of the Survivor: Why Storytelling Matters in Suicide Prevention
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, explains how personal stories in suicide prevention are valuable, not only for the storyteller, but also for the listener and for society at large. After sharing a “hero’s journey” story, Spencer-Thomas outlines an effective story structure, making notes on how to ensure safe and trauma-informed messaging.
About this course
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.