Service Description

An introductory session exploring the many options for how to tell a life story to help you decide on how to approach this process. Sometimes the value of life storytelling in any form can be overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how to begin. In this session participants will learn diverse approaches and practical processes while considering their purpose, audience, and resource needs to bring their own or another's narrative to life. We will also discuss the potential difficulties with life storytelling such as the issues of truth telling (whose truth is being told? who is the audience), the impact of the storyteller having some form of brain impairment (e.g. dementia), the impact of family dynamics and the concepts of honesty, truth and potential ethical considerations. Participants will be presented with the various considerations for how to move forward to take home to consider your own path forward. This session will suit those who want to tell their own life storytelling and those who would like to assist others (e.g. parents, grandparents, friends). It will also suit those who might like to do long term planning for younger people. It will also be beneficial for those who work in aged care, especially leisure and health services. This session provides a basic overview, insights and possible issues to consider. There is also a longer version of this workshop if you would like to reflect further on the process, and begin mapping your approach within the session and working more on the method you might take. Please contact us if you have any questions. Facilitator: Dr Karly Edgar Karly is an artist and owner of Art & Alchemy Gallery. She also has a PhD from La Trobe after researching Eastern Palliative Care's highly respected and acclaimed volunteer facilitated Biography Program. This process included significant research into the various other versions of similar programs. Her research, analysis and interviews with 40 people involved in the program solidified her knowledge and understanding the range of approaches, the benefits and pitfalls of them, the options for how to approach the process, and the potential ethical and difficult issues that may be encountered. Her approach to teaching about life storytelling is widely encompassing; it is not focused on outlining a single program, but to help you assess the best way forward for you in your situation and with your available resources.