Narrative and Storytelling

Synopsis

XAT511 Narrative and Storytelling will introduce the students to the practice of storytelling in therapy and how by working with narratives through expressive arts therapy they can create change, healing and development in their clients. They will explore the narrative forms of storytelling, sand tray work, song and poetry writing in different cultural contexts, and gain insights into expressive media that can support their work. Ethical issues of how to protect these stories and who is appropriate to share them with will also be discussed, and they will also explore the role of new media and social media as a storytelling medium.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

Narrative therapy principles and practice
The role of stories in human development
Sand tray work
Drama and imagination as storytelling
Song-writing and poetry in storytelling
New media and social media as storytelling in therapeutic practice
Documenting therapeutic practice – hearing clients’ stories
Traditional stories and their cultural roles
Group work and group stories
Ethical issues in storytelling
How to run expressive arts groups
Documenting, reflecting and trusting the process of the therapeutic journey.

Learning Outcome

Assess the therapeutic benefits of telling stories.
Compose the verbal and pre-verbal narrative methodologies.
Propose the ethical and cultural considerations in telling and sharing stories.
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of stories in expressive arts therapies.
Design storytelling and narrative opportunities for individuals and groups.
Critique the different roles of stories in different contexts.

Part-time Programmes

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Narrative and Storytelling