Stories Are Sacred
Welcome to the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program—an immersive and experiential learning experience designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to gather and tell stories that promote safety and wellness while also resisting harm.
Through this comprehensive program, you'll delve into the intricacies of trauma-informed storytelling, gain a deep understanding of the potential impacts on story owners, storytellers, and audiences, and learn how to approach sensitive stories with empathy and care.
Join us for a trauma-informed storytelling journey that will forever shape how you approach and share world-changing stories.
What to Expect
The spring cohort will take place April 21 - May 30, 2025.
Self-Paced Learning Modules
Short videos with learning and exercises
Video transcripts
Digital workbook for reflection and active engagement
Suggested pace: 1 module per week
Live Virtual Integration Sessions
Three live virtual sessions on April 30, May 14, and May 28, 2025, at 9 am PT | 12 pm ET.
Guided space to ask questions, discuss challenges, and share reflections as you move through the modules
Trauma-Informed Storytelling Templates and Resources
Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines
Story Gathering Workflow
Media Consent Form
Storytelling Consent Checklist
Trauma-Informed Interview Guidelines
Story Retraction Protocol
Storytelling Harm Repair Plan
Body Scan Meditation for Storyteller Wellness
“Maria has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to trauma-informed storytelling. This certificate program is perfect for busy non-profit marketers and storytellers looking to set up trauma-informed protocols at their organizations. The lessons are clear and informative, and the integration calls helped build community with others doing this work. I’m excited to bring what I learned back to Lund to enhance our storytelling process and further reduce potential harm for the story owners we work with.”
Curriculum Overview
Module 1
Understanding Trauma
1.1 What Is Trauma & Types Of Trauma Responses
1.2 Impacts Of Unresolved Trauma
1.3 Why Trauma-Informed Storytelling Matters
Module 2
Story Gathering
2.1 Story Gathering Workflow
2.2 Consent And Determining Story Readiness
2.3 Interview Process
Module 3
Story Crafting
3.1 Language And Copy Choices
3.2 Media Choices
3.3 Protecting Highly Vulnerable Populations
Module 4
Story Distribution
4.1 Review Process
4.2 Appropriate Platforms
4.3 Story Retraction
Module 5
Storyteller Self Care
5.1 Understanding Vicarious Trauma
5.2 Setting Boundaries
5.3 Nervous System Care
Module 6
Repair & Radical Compassion
6.1 Storytelling Harm Repair Plan
6.2 Navigating Resistance to Change
6.3 Developing Kindness, Empathy, And Grace For Self And Others
Is This For Me?
The When Bearing Witness® certification program is ideal for a variety of storytelling roles, including:
Communicators
Consultants
Fundraisers
Grant Writers
Marketers
Podcasters
Researchers
Videographers
“This course was an in-depth and thought-provoking experience that expanded my learning. The concepts were clearly explained, with great resources for deeper understanding. Maria’s empathy and facilitation skills created a truly supportive space for my cohort to connect and share ideas. I appreciated the way she welcomed silence (a rare skill on Zoom!), and how she reflected our thoughts back to us with such insight. Maria always had a thoughtful answer or suggestion for every challenge we shared, and I am grateful for her wisdom. ”
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of the program, participants will earn a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge, recognizing their achievement in trauma-informed storytelling. While this certificate is not accredited by a government agency or educational institution, it stands as a testament to your dedication and learning.
Investment
Ready to Enroll?
Start your journey towards becoming a trauma-informed storyteller. Enroll in the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program today and join the spring 2025 cohort.
Investment is $597 per person, with a two-month payment plan option.
Group rates are $497 per person, with a minimum of three people per organization. Email hello@mariabryan.com with the number of teammates, and she will send you an invoice.
Request for Approval Letter
Need help getting approval for professional development? Download this ready-to-customize letter to help your manager say "yes" to your training request! Adjust as you see fit and share this thoughtful justification for trauma-informed storytelling training with your decision-makers.
Scholarships
In partnership with mission-driven brands, we offer When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program scholarships for BIPOC storytellers and nonprofit professionals with limited financial resources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Thank You To Our Scholarship Sponsors!
Meet Your Trainer
Maria Bryan is a Trauma-Informed Storytelling Trainer.
She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm.
Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.
She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation.
Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
What Past Participants Have To Say
I can't remember a time I have felt so excited to work on homework, and so cared for in the process of learning to care for others. Maria's style is kind, compassionate, and deliberate as she addresses each topic and gives us time to think and work through case studies on our own. She also carefully listens and gives room to process in the group calls. This has been a key part of my own journey to learn more ethical and intentional practices for storytelling, and I can't wait to implement what I've learned. The intentional focus on caring for our own nervous systems and trauma responses is really key, and I am so happy to be reminded to create a plan for that as well. Thank you Maria, for providing this kind and intentional space!
- Katy, Alegria Ventures LLC
This training is clear and compelling in its call for a structured process to trauma-informed storytelling. It is direct, educational, and engaging to prepare people to quickly understand the concepts and be empowered to make their own plans for ethical storytelling.
- Michael, RAINN
Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling Program could not have come at a better time for me personally and professionally to unlearn certain practices and learn more ethical and trauma-informed practices. Her facilitation approach is authentic, welcoming, and accessible, no matter where you are on your learning journey. Most importantly, it is human-centered. I highly recommend and encourage this training.
- Melissa, The Nature Conservancy
The Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification courses were just what I needed to enhance my knowledge, determine upon which I could improve, and put into place some immediate practices. In the nonprofit space, we are all storytellers, and the people whose stories we are sharing deserve to have power over their story, how we tell it and how much is shared. Their stories have can have a profound impact on spreading awareness, raising funds and helping others... but we must center the storyteller in the process so they are empowered, protected, respected and have agency. This trauma-informed storytelling course provides perspective, tools, resources, and examples of how we can empower and protect the storyteller.
- Stacy, Stacy Nunnally Consulting
I thoroughly enjoyed Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling course. It helped me further understand how impactful storytelling can be, and how to do it the right way.
- Lauren, Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children
Trauma-informed storytelling is on the cutting edge for nonprofit communicators, marketers, and fundraisers looking to align their day-to-day operations with their values and ethics. Degrees in journalism, communications, marketing, and development can only teach us so much. When applying our craft in the nonprofit field, a certification in trauma-informed storytelling ensures that we intentionally conduct our work in ways that put people and relationships first.
- Carrie, StreamLine Storytelling
This was amazing! I learned so much and I am excited to speak with HR and Directors about implementing an SOP that covers topics in the modules and worksheets/resources.
- Kayla, Shelter, Inc.
Maria's course taught me valuable new skills in how to work sensitively with clients dealing with a life-changing diagnosis or childhood trauma. Maria's exceptional knowledge, sensitivity, and empathy make her course a must-take for anyone working in the trauma-informed storytelling field.
- Sarah, Midori Communications
This program deepened my understanding of trauma and how to offer more safety and compassion when working with people with lived experiences of traumatic situations. I've been working with non-profits, telling individual's stories for nearly twenty years and was thrilled to learn new approaches and tactics for creating safety.
- Alexson, Small Adventures Communications
Maria's Trauma-Informed Storytelling workshop was incredibly insightful for me and applicable to my work. The self-paced process meant that I could go through the modules on my own time, when I was in the right frame of mind to learn, and the virtual sessions were well-timed and inspiring. Maria's passion for the topic shone through, and her genuine and caring nature made me comfortable with participating in the discussions. Thanks Maria!
- Summer, Hillhouse Creative
The Trauma-Informed Storytelling Training enhanced my approach to collaborating with survivors of sexual violence to tell their sensitive stories with care. I'll be referring to the notes and resources I obtained from this program for years to come!
- Anne, RAINN
I am transitioning from Dir. of Learning and Development to Trauma Informed Manager. This course provided so much definition and insight into the work I am now spearheading, and I have a better understanding and of the importance of protecting the stories of those with lived experience and those receiving their stories.
- Terri, Cincinnati Works
