Storytelling therapy: the gentlest way to influence a person's inner problems.

Human wisdom has been passed on by word of mouth for thousands of years. Children learn a lot from fairy tales and all kinds of children's jokes, adults from parables. In this way, a picture of the world and a system of values are formed.

However, as a tool of psychologically corrective fairy tale began to be used relatively recently.

And it turned out that many folk and author's fairy tales do not meet the requirements of psychologists and psychotherapists

• First, many fairy tales were composed at a time when the world was different
• Secondly, the fairy tales were composed by people, though not stupid, but without modern psychological and psychotherapeutic education.
• In the end, it has come down to us uniform tales that don't work through the individual problems of a particular child.

What is the advantage of using fairy tales in psychological and psychotherapeutic practice?

Story therapy - is a gentle influence on the unconscious part of the inner world. The visitor of the psychological office does not feel any discomfort.

Modern developments of specialists allow to apply fairy tale therapy both for diagnostics of internal problems and for their resolution.

With the help of a story, it is possible to extract information from the subconscious mind that the client himself is either not willing to tell

For example, a child does not want to talk about fears during the day, or does not attach enough importance to it. On the other hand, by projecting the problems of a particular person onto a fairy tale character, the psychologist or psychotherapist teaches how to solve the problems in safe fairy tale realities. It is especially important that the hero finds himself in a magical space where there are no limitations! This helps to remove internal barriers, thanks to which the person learns to creatively approach the solution of their own problems.

There are several methods that are used in storytelling therapy.

1. The visitor himself offers his favorite fairy tale for the fairy tale therapy session. What follows is a discussion of all the psychological nuances of the fairy tale. In particular, this method helps to diagnose the patient.
2. Writing one's own fairy tale in which the main character overcomes everyday difficulties insurmountable for the visitor of the psychological office. In this way, predictive work takes place, i.e. the person realizes the pros and cons of the chosen model of behavior.
3. Fairy tale dramatization and sand fairy tale therapy - in this case the methods of art therapy work are connected to the fairy tale therapy itself.
4. Listening to fairy tales. For example, if you are not a specialist in psychology and psychotherapy, it is better to limit yourself to reading to children psychologically corrective fairy tales that a psychologist or psychotherapist recommends to you.

Almost all methods of work an experienced psychologist uses to carry out the replacement of ineffective behavioral pattern by an effective one.

The tale works through internal problems on different levels - archetypal, social attitudes, situational.

Story therapy - is the most effective way to work with children in their teens. up to four or five years.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is storytelling therapy and what is its essence?
   Storytelling therapy is a method of psychological help based on the use of fairy tales to gently and safely influence a person's inner problems. It helps to realize and work through personal difficulties through metaphors and images.
2. What problems does storytelling therapy help solve?
   The method is effective in working with children's fears, anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression, as well as family conflicts and communication difficulties.
3. How does a storytelling therapy session work?
   The session may include reading or composing a story, discussing its plot and characters, and creative tasks such as drawing or dramatization.
4. Is storytelling therapy only suitable for children?
   No, fairy tale therapy is also effective for adults. It helps to work with the inner child, overcome psychological traumas and find new resources for personal growth.
5. Can storytelling therapy be used on its own?
   Yes, it is possible. However, for deep working through internal problems, it is recommended to consult a specialist who will help to choose the appropriate tales and methods of work.