Collective Narrative Practices & Innovation Projects

The innovative projects which we discuss in this chapter draw on collective narrative practices that are concerned with responding to groups and communities who have experienced significant social suffering and oppression in contexts in which ‘therapy’ may not be culturally resonant. Collective Narrative Practices have a rich history and engage a diverse range of methodologies that can be used with individuals, groups and communities. In this chapter, we will just touch on a few methodologies …


 
“As counsellors, therapists, psychosocial workers and community workers, stories of hardship find their way to us. In some ways, we are cultural receivers of stories of suffering (Waldegrave, Tamaseses, Tuhaka & Campbell, 2003). And often this suffering is linked to broader injustices: to violence, abuse, racism, poverty, sexism, heterosexual dominance. To be the cultural receivers of these stories brings with it awesome responsibilities; for instance there are responsibilities to comfort and to somehow alleviate hardship. But there is another responsibility that I am hoping we will also engage with. How can we receive these stories and engage with them in ways that not only alleviate individual sorrow, but also enable and sustain local social action to address the broader injustices, violence and abuses in our varying contexts? How can we provide forums for the sorrow, anguish and hardship of the stories that we receive to be transformed into collective actions? I don’t mean grand social actions, I mean local, meaningful, resonant, sustainable, social action or social contributions’ (Denborough, 2008, p. 192)

For a link to the book you can visit Collective Narrative Practice by David Denborough 


The following paper is an example of conversations that have taken place in a number of villages in rural Malawi. Here practitioners engage problems in a personification with one worker playing the role of Mr/Mrs AIDS, who represents HIV/AIDS; and another plays the role of Mr/Mrs CARE, who represents the community. Members of the village are invited to ask questions of these two characters, and a conversation develops. Please click on the link to read about this compelling example of collective practice!

Little by Little we Make a Bundle


In this interview, Paulo Freire describes some of his thinking about oppression, ethical responsibilities and how these shape possibilities for social change. The work of Paulo Freire has influenced the development of collective narrative practices.

Making History and Unveiling Oppression


The Mt Elgon Self-Help Community Project, based in rural Uganda, uses narrative practices to spark and sustain local social action and environmental and economic projects. This video contains some of the stories of the work of Caleb Wakhungu and the Mt Elgon project.

 
 

One of the ways in which the field of narrative practice continues to diversify is through innovation projects. These are often the result of collaborations, invitations and challenges. Many of them involve ‘cross-cultural inventions’ and partnerships. You might like to explore some of these examples:

Tree of Life

Life Saving Tips from young Australian Muslims

Healing Stories Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

For more projects of this kind you can see the full list here:

Innovation Projects


Many narrative therapists and community workers are now using music and song in their work with individuals, groups, and communities. This page contains songs created during various Dulwich Centre projects both in Australia and overseas, as well as links to find out more about the contexts they were created in.

Songs as a response to hardship and trauma

You can listen to David Denborough discussing the use of song in narrative practice on the radio program ‘Songcatcher’, a Radio Adelaide production.


  For Reflection
Is there an idea or project that stands out to you most at this time? What about this idea or project has sparked your enthusiasm or curiosity? In what ways might you begin to experiment with these ideas or methodologies?  

  What do you think? Have you got an idea that might be interesting to exchange with others? Please let us know and share your thoughts on this chapter below before moving on. Please include where you are writing from (City and Country). Thanks!

This Post Has 367 Comments

  1. Kelly

    I’m loving the Tree of Life tool and can see how this could be easily implemented in our mental health recovery practice and even displayed to remind us of our strengths, resilience and personal goals.

  2. laurencavanaughlicsw

    I think a sense of community is so important when thinking about healing. Having shared experiences leads to a mutual understanding of a situation and can lead to mutual healing. There isn’t much like having understand what someone is going through because you’ve gone through it yourself.

    Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA

  3. Sarah

    Sarah from Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom. I was very struck by the two stories sharing the anthropomorphism of AIDs/Care and then Grief for the Torres Strait islanders story. It was interesting to me that these programmes were so much more successful because people could identify with the “characters”. I always find in my business writing that giving examples (case studies) that people can relate to is far more effective that just explaining something, but this goes even further to create a character that not only seems real but can reach into the hearts and minds of those participating or listening. In doing so, it seems that it can better tackle pain and awkwardness and even fear and ignorance, which are strong drivers when there is a general lack of education or trauma is involved. I found these powerful examples of narrative practice and admire the creativity of those who are conducting these sessions in the face of many local difficulties. Also, I enjoyed the songs section and the way that music further enhances how a narrative can connect with all manner of different people from different backgrounds. It reminded me how popular the Don McLean song was, American Pie, a really long quite involved story and also Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Despite their length and the fact that they needed some interpretation not just listening skills, these songs were hugely popular showing that there is an appetite for complex storytelling.

  4. annie.coole

    I am still astonished at the power of stories through these amazingly resilient communities. How the, collectively find a resilience together to make a better future for themselves and others. I have recently been reading about the trauma of racism and this resonates with me regarding those who have never hd the opportunity to express their own stories hidden behind walls of dogma and predjudice

  5. catherine.ann.smit

    All the “Innovation Projects” using collective narrative practice on the Dulwich website were heartening in that they raised my spirits to see that people cared enough about all these issues to find a way to work with them that could be sustaining for all involved, using Narrative ethics and practices (also, particularly, the music and theatrical aspects).

    I was particularly Inspired to pass on this link “Asylum crisis: how can we respond?” https://dulwichcentre.com.au/asylum-crisis-how-can-we-respond/ to my friend who works with a refugee support group, Welcome to Maleny, because I could see the possibility for collaboration and the intersection of ethics. That gave me a warm feeling that doing so may spark something for the future.

    Also I found myself thinking about how the Tree of Life approach could invite people working in sustainability sectors (environmental/social justice) to also apply sustainability to their health, in terms of self care, to avoid burnout and despondency (this is where my heart and inspiration is leading me at the moment, I just doing know how it’s going to evolve). That it could provide the rich framework for why and how to do that. And to have a plan to connect to hope and apply the resources documented in their “Trees” when overwhelmed and losing hope. It reminded me that it would be so important to ask them and document what they are already doing, what they already know and to build upon that in a group setting. But part of me also wonders whether working with that metaphor might seem to “childish” / “simplistic” with adults working in this field. I wonder what others think?

  6. ammaez

    It is inspiring to see the variety of ways people are using narrative practices. It demonstrates how narrative therapy can be helpful for anyone in any context. The combined use of creativity and narrative practices is healing and empowering.

  7. dvmilam

    I like the way narrative therapy process can be used in a community context. To help a whole community begin to work together for the good of all the people is astounding.
    I also know the music would be a great healing tool. Music is a very powerful experience in people’s lives helping bring memories, both good and bad, to mind.

  8. alexandra.postrigan

    Hello everyone, I’m Alexandra Postrigan, joining this discussion from Italy, with my roots in Russia. This chapter has been particularly resonant with my current work and interests. The concept of being ‘cultural receivers of stories of suffering’ , deeply struck a chord with me. I have been privileged to hear diverse, often underrepresented stories from various communities, including those affected by socio-economic challenges and environmental issues. These narratives not only highlighted individual sorrows but also broader systemic injustices, such as environmental degradation, poverty, and cultural marginalisation. The approach of engaging problems in personification, as seen in the Malawi village example, is something that I also witnessed applied in my work.

  9. Pam

    This has been an inspiring chapter. I work with Children and Young people, and learning about all these projects has sparked my enthusiasm and creativity in terms of developing playful and meaningful ways to help them process traumatic/difficult life experiences. In particular, I loved learning more about the tree of life.

  10. Martin

    The Tree Of Life project is truly stunning in its simplicity. It utilises a highly effective metaphor which fits perfectly with my Writing Workshop/Life Coach context, namely its “beginning, middle and end” structure which matches the “past, present and future” aspect of the tree’s growth. Rather than focussing on a broad-brushstroke approach to one’s origins (which includes – or more often than not highlights – its more negative aspects), it places emphasis instead on the strong, stable cornerstones of one’s foundational heritage.
    These then become the ‘roots’ upon which one can construct a “second” or alternative story. Establishing this more uplifting back-story facilitates a thicker, more richly-described ‘trunk’, formed by the skills, knowledge and wisdom that the individual has acquired throughout life. Skills which have then been utilised in constructing the ‘rings and layers’ of ‘bark’ which (amongst other purposes) have formed defense mechanisms against the “storms” which one’s tree has had to endure in reaching the present moment.
    The ‘branches, leaves and buds’ then allow expansion of one’s future via a multi-storied plethora of possibilities: following any number of chosen or preferred avenues for personal growth (the ‘branches’), by accepting guidance from certain influential people in our lives (the ‘leaves’) along the way in order to give birth to new ideas, hopes, dreams and wishes (the ‘buds’).
    I particularly love the addition of the “storms” into the revised version of the Tree Of Life format, as this firmly externalises the problem as the problem, and not the ‘tree’/person. The metaphor of one being ‘buffered’ by the ‘winds and rains’ of life’s trials and tribulations, whilst remaining stable yet flexible enough to not just be a “passive recipient” of said trials is highly motivating and extremely validating of one’s proven survival skills. All in all, a truly excellent, all-encompassing metaphor from start to extended finish! I definitely intend to include this exercise in some format as part of my life-coaching context.

  11. Anjali Bhatia

    I am writing this from Jodhpur, India.
    The Tree of Life exercise is particularly my take-away from this chapter. I think it can be applied in group settings with teenagers as effectively as it can be with children. Most of my clients are grappling with a crisis of identity, beliefs and values at this time, and the tree can help them retrace the influences that have shaped them so far, as well as the journey they have already travelled, and their hopes and aspirations.

  12. mara.bennett

    I found Mary Heath’s song about questions to be so powerful. I really appreciated how it flips the narrative that we always hear which places responsibility on women to leave a relationship where domestic violence is a feature, without consideration of the complexities and repercussions she would face. Mary asks another question, instead, “when will you leave my sister?” Her singing and playing really moved me.

  13. John Hankins

    Writing from Colorado, USA. I do some volunteer work to support a community program in Philadelphia called the Lil’ Filmmakers. This organization uses the process of filmmaking to capture the stories of young people in the city. Young people write, produce and star in these films. This came to mind when I heard David Denborough say that narrative practice is about “telling stories that make us stronger”, which definitely applies to the filmmakers group. I see this as “found” narrative practice. In this case, I have a framework provided by this course to see work like the filmmakers in a broader context and a more clearly defined framework. I find this to be a really useful and wonderful intersection between two apparently disconnected part of my life that are actually deeply connected.

  14. yanina.shatvoryan

    I liked a lot “Tree of life” practice. Tried it myself and offered to several colleagues. There is something very calming in making your own personal tree filled with support and helpful branches, so you can see positive power you have in your life.
    I also do like the idea that “meaning-making” is something we are looking for in our day-to-day life. So such practices as “Tree of life” help with that as well.

  15. k.e.m.taylor@gmail.com

    I really enjoyed reading ‘Little by little we make a bundle’ – I am very drawn to metaphors and this one seems to evoke ideas of strength and interdependence. Also, the dialogue between AIDs and CARE seemed slightly playful, perhaps bringing light into an otherwise dark topic. I like the idea in ‘Making history and unveiling oppression’ about “fuelling curiosity” in those who are assisted (by programs etc) – it made me remember that part of my job as a therapist is to fuel people’s curiosity, which means I need to keep my own curiosity muscle very fit. And finally, I was thinking that the Tree of Life could be a good method to try in my work with other people, especially those in care. Some of these people feel that they aren’t “whole” anymore – their strengths and skills (past or present) aren’t always acknowledged by the people they spend their days with. And it is a time in life when people seem to get a lot out of talking about their roots – their family history. Perhaps I could use this metaphor to facilitate conversations about the fruits of their lives – that which they have been given – and the flowers of their live – the generosities and contributions they have offered the world.

  16. Paulina López

    I’m Paulina psychologist and aerial dancer form Mexico City.

    The project were HIV/AIDs is personified to destigmatize and think in solution’s rather than center in the bad things touch me a lot, I think that it’s a really god idea to empower people, and how they solve the ages an gender powor made me love it a lot more.

    The one of “sons to respond to trauma” call my attention, it made think if it could be a possibility to use more different disciplines to create the same effect, like contemporary circus.

  17. daron.askin

    I found the tree of life material interesting and encouraging. It is clearly transferrable across many cultures and age groups. It is flexible and adaptable to fit with the collaborative way and allows great potential for allowing stories to be told and explored. The tree is also a helpful method of creating connections between the parts of a person’s life, as reflected in the parts of the tree, in a way that is easier for all. I can begin to use the tree of life straight away with the children and young people that I work with in CAMHS.

  18. Ana

    As a social worker, I loved the idea that Collective Narrative Practice is about context and following local practices. To allow the community we are working with to drive the worker that will facilitate the initiative, is something that goes very well with my personal values and practice. I work mainly with individuals, but I can also see how I can bring this idea and reflections to the individual support level.

  19. Sylva

    I love the idea of using song and dance to work through and address trauma and various cultural struggles and issues. In my work as a narrative therapist and professional healer, I hold events in which I work with my clients on reconnecting with themselves, their bodies and nature through music, drumming and dance. It is a very effective–and fun–way to release traumas and limiting beliefs (among other things) and allow people to find new ways of living.

  20. kai.niezgoda

    The community development aspect of Narrative Practice is one of the things that most intrigues me as a mental health worker and former community organiser. This section has expanded my thinking in terms of how I can integrate this community development lens into my work as a therapist (or as an addendum to it, as most folks I know are not doing this work in paid positions per se). Specifically it got me thinking about how some of the innovative projects, such as the Tree of Life, could be tailored for trans and gender diverse people and/or the broader LGBTQIA+ communities and how my community’s trees might look different from and similar to our cis/straight counterparts.

    The level of need in my community is breathtaking – needs around accessing care, accessing community and safe relationships, meeting basic survival needs, and coping with stigma and discrimination. That said, my community is also profoundly resilient and has many internal and external resources to draw on in its surviving and thriving. To me, our existence is proof enough of that. While there are not any specific community development projects I have in mind at this time, thinking about this has challenged me to be open to the possibilities that might arise out of my conversations with the people I work with, because opportunities for creating change on a broader level are almost always ‘in the room’ when working with TGD and LGBTQIA+ communities.

  21. latriece27

    The project “Life-saving Tips from Young Australian Muslims” and the projects where issues a community is facing such as HIV/AIDs are personified to destigmatize it and allow the community to come up with a solution to address it were the projects that stuck out to me. Often young people’s voices aren’t taken seriously, adults tend to assume young people are not to be consulted on certain matters because of their limited life experience, this sentiment was shared by some of the young people in the projects discussed above. To hear the humor and wisdom from the voices of the young Australian Muslims as well as the ability for communities to work through the ways HIV/AIDS plagues their community and come up with solutions as a community was beautiful to witness. These projects bring about so many opportunities for healing and space to create/ reinvent/ and forge new paths for to see, think, and build community.

  22. mikem

    I’ve loved learning more around the Tree of Life – how it can help people externalize through using the tree metaphor to share about themselves in a safe and creative manner

  23. Cary

    Cary, Washington State, USA
    I particularly enjoyed the ideas that originate from the people where they share their stories to feel heard, seen and acknowledged. I wonder how to use this with the individual persons I serve as sparks for change in times they feel less than empowered. I’m not sure how to incorporate these into private practice except to use them to remember everyone’s story counts and everyone has contributions to make to resolve their challenges.

  24. Jocilyn Csernyik

    Jocilyn
    I found the collective narrative practice from Malawi to be an interesting approach. It reminded me of the technique, externalizing conversations, in that it personified an issue in order to create a space where people of the village where talking to the problem (i.e. Mr/Mrs AIDS) instead of addressing another who agreed/disagreed with Mr/Mrs AIDS. However, I think collective narrative practice might not work out well in every case, as some people may feel the personification and dramatization of their problems to be insensitive and juvenile, and resultingly could impede upon the therapeutic alliance. Once there has been a foundation of trust and understanding built between the therapist and client, I think this technique could be very useful, but I would not use it with a new client or within group therapy (such as family counseling) with whom I had just begun counseling.

  25. Claire Nulsen

    Hi, I’m currently in Youghal in Ireland, but I’m originally from Perth, Western Australia; I really enjoyed listening to these community action stories and particularly liked the metaphor of the bundle of sticks demonstrating strength through unity; I also really appreciated the reflections around homelessness as a social/political/economic event and I feel this is very relevant in our current climate where housing has become a scarce resource.

  26. Oltman Weeber

    Hi. Oltman from Melbourne Australia. I am a mental health worker & recovery coach. I also have living and lived experience, and is part of the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) peer worker community in Melbourne.

    This was an interesting topic and I was reflecting on it in context of the AOD community. People living with addiction often comes from a background of trauma, has shame relating to their addiction, and are disconnected from family or friends. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous share their stories of strength and hope that alleviate individuals pain, and enable identity and connection. This identity and connection to the group = strength. Groups depend on all members to do service; older members will spent time with new comers to pass on skills that relates to living in recovery. Groups are self reliant, that is financially and also the day too day running of the meetings; members take on skilled roles that is treasurer, secretary, and charing meetings.

    Cheers
    Oltman

  27. Nancy Bell

    Hello, Nancy from Brisbane Australia,
    I have found this module interesting but quite challenging to apply in the context of older people, either living in the community or in residential care. As people move into the later stages of old age, life does become more ‘individualised’ for many and often the reasons are insurmountable. The reasons may be associated with cognitive decline, sensory loss, increasing mobility issues and other reasons or a combination of all of them. It is hard to imagine how Collective Narrative Practices might be useful. At a group recreational level, with appropriate assistance this may be possible but as a meaningful therapeutic intervention I think my experience would say that individual work with frail aged people is the most effective. There may be collective practices that can be adapted and I would need to investigate further. I enjoyed reading the Paulo Freire article, reminding us all that ‘ being in the world means to change and re change NOT to adapt to the world.’ To work at all levels for improvement. I also love the ‘Bundle of Sticks’ metaphor….how much more we can achieve together. Good reading. Thank you

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