Crossroads And Decisions

Ways of Using Stories, Art, And Films In Therapy

Probably one of my favorite methods for using therapeutic stories is to pick out about ten or so stories that will be of benefit to the client (thus you have stacked the deck) and then just read all of the titles of the stories to the client. Ask him or her if there are two or three of those that sound interesting, then ask them to choose the one they would pick if they were only going to get to listen to one of the stories. Or if you have a different philosophy, you might have the client tell you some of his favorite stories, music, or movies from various times in his or her life.
Read the story and you may prompt the reading by asking the client if the story could apply to their life in some way or if there was some reason why they thought it was so likeable to them. You can do this either before or after you start the reading. Remember when you're reading to emphasize certain sections and be sure to make it entertaining. If you want you can even act out the story with the client by asking him or her to become a character in the story, much in the same way that dream work is done by asking one to become various objects and charcters in a dream. The secret is to tie current issues of the client into the story, then rewrite the script some how. Contemplate how it would feel together to be able to have an alternative ending to the story.
After your done, give the story a minute or two to sink in. If the client doesn't have any reaction to the story. You can then ask them again what they thought about the story in very general categories such as what they liked and didn't like about it. If this opens the client up a bit, then you can move on to more specific issues of the client. If the client still doesn't want to discuss the story, you may have to pick another story. Ask if the client would like to hear another or read one on their own. No matter what, give the client all of the other stories to read before the next session.
Think of all the stories that have ever been written down. Now think of all of the anecdotes that have never been written down. Even classic fairy tales can be used effectively with all types of clients. I would suggest for you to develop a story file that has different stories for different types of clients. Here are a few suggestions for developing your story file. There are also three stories at the end of the publication that may be useful. The idea is the same with art, films, tv shows, cartoons, jokes, and stories of any type.
ANGER---
RELATIONSHIPS---
SELF ESTEEM OR DEPRESSION---
TRAUMA---
ALCOHOL/DRUGS OR OTHER ADDICTIONS---
ADHD---
FEAR/ANXIETY---
GOALS/PROCRASTINATION---
NEW SKILL ACQUISITION