The My Story, My Terms workshop for survivors is designed to support individuals who want to use their voice as a tool for personal, political, or social change.
What is the workshop?
My Story, My Terms is a transformative storytelling workshop that provides a safe space for survivors to reclaim their stories and experiences–on their own terms. The workshop focuses on developing writing and storytelling skills; takes a trauma-informed approach to writing, sharing and healing; and provides insight on how to navigate the process of sharing one’s story.
The workshop is free for survivors of sexual assault who are accepted into the program, and survivors receive a small stipend to cover any costs associated with participating.
In four sessions led by experienced educators, social workers, and storytelling experts, participants will learn about and participate in:
1. The Power and Science of Storytelling
Participants will learn that storytelling is a skill that can be developed and used as a tool for a powerful effect. They will participate in interactive writing exercises and learn the guiding principles of trauma recovery, including opportunities to reclaim power and share their story.
2. Understanding the Stages of Writing, Healing & Compassionate Reframing
Participants will be taught skills to reprocess their experience from a safe place, learn Marinella’s five stages of writing and healing, and be able to confront their trauma at a self-directed speed and flourish in their writing of their own story on their own terms.
3. Using the Power of Your Resilient Voice to Bring Your Own Words to Life
Participants will give their own perspective to their experience and its relation to the rest of their life by constructing their own narrative of what occurred in a way that allows them to confront trauma, process, and heal. Participants will discover new ways to sustain and build resilience.
4. Storytelling Ceremony and Celebration
Participants will be given an opportunity to tell their story to the group, if they choose to do so. In closing, the group will celebrate their work and their journey in a celebratory ceremony including interactive activities and reflection.
“For me, participating in My Story, My Terms, was like being thrown a lifeline in the middle of processing and healing from sexual trauma. Each week I looked forward to working with a group of highly trained individuals who helped me write and speak candidly about my experience. I felt so supported and cared for at NOW, and it helped me gain a better perspective on the injustices that took place during and after my abuse. The storytelling workshop was such a wonderful gift, and I would give it 100 times over if I could.”
– M.H., Program Participant
Who can participate?
This program is for women (cis or trans), female–identifying, non-binary, or gender nonconforming individuals who are survivors of sexual assault.
Participants must also be:
- 18 years or older
- currently supported by counseling services
- able to read and write in English on a third grade level
- able to attend every session of the workshop
We cannot accept participants who:
- are currently engaged in any ongoing civil or criminal litigation
- have any current acute mental health issues or recent experience with self-harm, suicidal ideation or behaviors.
All participants will undergo a confidential screening process with a licensed, trauma-informed therapist prior to being accepted into the program. The program is free for all accepted participants. In fact, participants who complete all four sessions receive a stipend to cover any costs associated with participating.
Two ways to apply:
- Be referred by a therapist, counselor, or service provider. Service providers can recommend a client by completing the online or paper application below. If paper is preferred, please print, scan and return to [email protected].
- Refer yourself by emailing your contact information, including a phone number and best times to reach you, and a brief statement of interest to [email protected].
Upcoming sessions:
Applications for our Spring 2022 cohorts are now closed. If you have questions or would like to join our waitlist for upcoming sessions, please contact [email protected].
As of now, sessions are being held on four consecutive Thursday evenings online.
“I learned that my story has power – that it can help other survivors heal and validate their experiences, as well as be used as an education tool. [I learned] that our stories can have multiple audiences, and we don’t have to put our trauma out there in the ways we think people need it. Instead, we get to choose how we tell our stories, which also allows us to take some of our power back.”
– A.F., Program Participant
Meet Our Facilitators:
“It was literally life changing: sharing my sloppy draft of a narrative and being BELIEVED.”
-E., Program Participant