Service Description

Sometimes the value of life storytelling in any form can be overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how to begin. This is a day session to explore the various processes to start biography and/or autobiography life storytelling and to help you begin to consider how best for you, in your particular situation, with your goals, family, resources etc. to begin to move forward with the process. In this comprehensive day session Dr Edgar will present diverse approaches and consider practical processes to start recording life narratives (biography or autobiography) for yourself or family members. Considerations will include discussing intention, audience, available resources and time leading to a discussion about the benefits of the options, a reflection on the possible ethical considerations, impact of family dynamics, and resource planning. We will also discuss the potential difficulties with life storytelling such as the issues of truth telling (whose truth is being told?), the impact of how different people may approach the process, such as if the storyteller has some form of brain impairment (e.g. dementia), the impact of family dynamics and the concepts of honesty, truth and potential ethical considerations. This will lead to a practical session to start mapping out your unique project. 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 younger folk who might like to do long term planning for their family. It will also be beneficial for those who work in aged care, especially those working in leisure and health / wellbeing and pastoral care services. 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 life storytellin. Her research, analysis and interviews with 40 people 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; rather than presenting a single option, she helps people find their best way forward.