I help changemakers tell impactful stories that resist harm by speaking about trauma-informed storytelling.

If you want someone to facilitate learning on trauma-informed and ethical storytelling, that person should do so with abundant kindness, empathy, and grace.

And that’s where I come in.

I’m Maria Bryan, and I help storytellers safely gather and tell painful stories. Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, I have trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.

I’ll provide you with an interactive virtual or in-person training for your upcoming conference, summit, retreat, or for your teams and members. Storytellers will feel equipped with actionable insights and resources grounded in kindness and empathy.

So, if you’re planning an event and need someone to teach trauma-informed and ethical storytelling with compassion and grace, let’s talk.

Training Sessions

When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Team Training

2-Hour In-depth Team Training

Storytelling has immense power to connect, educate, and inspire change. Given the pervasive trauma in the nonprofit space, we're responsible for telling stories that promote safety and resist harm. 

This hands-on training will equip your team, staff, or members with the knowledge and tools to become trauma-informed storytellers. Through real-world case studies, scenarios, and guided group discussions, participants will gain practical tools and strategies for navigating the complexities and nuances inherent in trauma-informed storytelling. 

This training will benefit a range of nonprofit roles, including fundraisers, marketers, communicators, grant writers, researchers, and videographers.

Takeaways

> Gain insights into trauma, trauma responses, and their impacts.

> Learn a structured workflow that prioritizes consent and readiness when collecting sensitive stories.

> Understand the importance of language, media choices, and protection of vulnerable populations in crafting narratives that promote safety.

> Know how to create a review process, identify appropriate platforms, and establish protocols for addressing harm or ethical concerns during story dissemination.

> Review and discuss trauma-informed and ethical storytelling case studies and scenarios.

> Understand how vicarious trauma can impact storytellers and learn nervous system care practices.

> Put learning into action with the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, Media Consent Form, a Story Gathering Workflow template, and a Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness.

Storytelling Stewardship: A Trauma-Informed Lens on Nonprofit Narratives

1 hour Training

Nonprofit storytelling has the profound capacity to move your mission. Yet, traditional narratives can inadvertently reinforce the very systems of harm we seek to dismantle.

In this training, we'll explore trauma-informed storytelling, which promotes safety and wellness while resisting harm. Attendees will be equipped with actionable insights and tools to tell trauma-informed and ethical stories that have a huge impact.

Ideal for various nonprofit roles, including fundraisers, marketers, communicators, grant writers, researchers, consultants, and videographers.

Takeaways

• Understand the impact of trauma and why trauma-informed storytelling matters.

• Learn about the three kinds of people impacted by a story— the story owner, the story receiver, and the witness.

• Review and discuss real stories that got it right (and some that didn't) to see trauma-informed storytelling in action and learn how to use it in your own work.

• Gain simple and actionable steps to integrate trauma-informed practices in all aspects of storytelling, including story gathering, crafting, and distribution.

• Take home the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, a Media Consent Form, a Story Gathering Workflow template, and a Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness.

Storytelling With Resilience: A Trauma-Informed Approach To Sharing Your Survivor Journey

1-2 Hour Training

Sharing our stories is a powerful act of healing, connection, and social change—yet for survivors, this journey can be as challenging as it is transformative.

Whether they are speaking on large platforms or intimate gatherings, this session will guide participants through crafting a trauma-informed narrative that inspires and motivates others and prioritizes their mental and emotional well-being. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with strategies to tell their story with confidence and care.

This training is designed for individuals who have survived challenging, deeply personal experiences—including but not limited to violence, health struggles, disability, trauma, loss, or any profound life journey that feels difficult to share—and who are seeking a supportive pathway to voice their story with compassion and strength.

Takeaways

• Learn techniques for crafting a powerful, trauma-informed narrative that inspires action and supports fellow survivors.

• Gain tools to evaluate your emotional readiness for sharing your story and recognizing when you need more time or support.

• Understand your rights as a storyteller to ensure you maintain full autonomy and consent over your narrative.

• Identify potential triggers, learn how to adapt your story for self-protection, and develop skills to handle unexpected situations while presenting.

• Create a personalized self-care routine to support your system before, during, and after sharing your story.

Sustaining Your Passion: Nurturing Your Nervous System in the Nonprofit World

1 Hour Training

In the nonprofit sector, changemakers often work at the intersection of purpose and pressure. The emotional demands, limited resources, and complex social issues can rapidly deplete personal resilience, leading to chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. This cycle impacts individual well-being and can significantly compromise organizational effectiveness and mission-driven work.

Attendees will be equipped with practical and accessible strategies for caring for their nervous systems, which are crucial in managing stress and emotions. They will also explore setting boundaries and creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes well-being.

This training is designed for individuals from all backgrounds and professions who want to prioritize their well-being, prevent burnout, and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• Understand the signs and impacts of stress and burnout.

• Learn the importance of caring for your nervous system and the consequences of neglecting it.

• Gain practical, accessible, and evidence-based nervous system regulation practices

• Create a personalized plan to implement nervous system care practices into your daily and weekly routines.

• Develop strategies for setting boundaries and building resilience to reduce burnout in the long run.