"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
- Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Story work is a narrative-focused approach to healing centering on understanding how our past shapes our present. It invites the story teller to look at their life not as a series of random events, but as a cohesive story with plot twists, themes, and characters. Instead of simply moving past traumatic or painful events, this process encourages a careful examination of formative moments, particularly from childhood and family of origin.
This work goes beyond intellectually understanding one's past. It involves moving from detached awareness to emotional engagement by revisiting specific scenes and incidents that have left a deep imprint. With the guidance of a compassionate coach, the story teller explores both the painful losses and the seeds of unique glory within their personal narrative. By bringing kindness and curiosity to these stories, individuals can connect the dots between past wounds and current behavioral patterns, breaking free from unhealthy coping mechanisms. This leads to deeper self-awareness, compassion, and the capacity to engage more honestly and intimately with oneself and others. Ultimately, story work is a transformative journey toward a more hopeful and redemptive future.
Drawing on her training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC I & II), Susan Babcock possesses specialized skills to guide individuals in exploring their personal stories and past trauma. Her training focused on deepening the capacity for compassionate and precise story engagement, including the ability to identify core trauma categories and understand how personal history and cultural context shape an individual's narrative. This advanced work also equips her to navigate complex group dynamics and better understand her own relational style, ensuring a professional and deeply compassionate approach to her engagement.
"I compared Susan to a doctor’s stethoscope because she could hear minute details in my story that otherwise might have been missed."
— Bekki