Stories Are Sacred
Welcome to the 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 resist harm.
Through this comprehensive program, you'll delve into the intricacies of trauma-informed storytelling, learn how to approach sensitive narratives with empathy and care and gain a deep understanding of the potential impacts on story owners, storytellers, and audiences.
Join us for a trauma-informed storytelling journey that will forever shape the way you approach and share world-changing stories.
What to Expect
The summer 2024 program will take place July 1 through August 9, 2024.
Self-Paced Learning Modules
Short videos with learning and exercises
Digital workbook for reflection and active engagement
Suggested pace: 1 module per week
Live Virtual Integration Sessions
Three live virtual sessions on July 11, 24, and August 7 at 9 am PT |12 pm ET (with possible alternative evening sessions)
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’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.”
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 3
Story Crafting
3.1 Language And Copy Choices
3.2 Media Choices
3.3 Protecting Highly Vulnerable Populations
Module 5
Storyteller Self Care
5.1 Understanding Vicarious/Secondary Trauma
5.2 Setting Boundaries
5.3 Nervous System Care
Module 2
Story Gathering
2.1 Story Gathering Workflow
2.2 Consent And Determining Story Readiness
2.3 Interview Process
Module 4
Story Distribution
4.1 Review Process
4.2 Appropriate Platforms
4.3 Story Retraction
Module 6
When Harm Happens
6.1 Feedback Process
6.2 Storytelling Harm Repair Plan
6.3 Developing Kindness, Empathy, And Grace For Self And Others
Is This For Me?
This When Bearing Witness program is ideal for a variety of storytelling roles, including:
Communicators
Consultants
Fundraisers
Grant Writers
Marketers
Podcasters
Researchers
Videographers
“This trauma-informed storytelling program was an incredible use of my time. It’s very important, especially for nonprofits, to be careful not to re-traumatize survivors or people with lived experiences with the process we have them go through when sharing their stories. This program has made creating an ethical and trauma-informed storytelling process incredibly easy. I hope this is a foundation for a storytelling policy within our organization. ”
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 our July 2024 cohort.
Investment is $497 per person, with a split payment plan option.
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, 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
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 DeLong Parrish, StreamLine Storytelling
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 Zimmerman, 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 Calahan, Small Adventures Communications
