101 Healing Stories

Using folktales and other metaphoric stories can aid the healing process Just as stories have the power to enrich our lives, shape the way we perceive and interact with the world, and reveal the wonders of the human spirit, so too can they play an important and potent role in therapy-helping people develop the skills to cope with and survive a myriad of life situations. 101 Healing Stories celebrates the rewards of using parables, fables, and metaphors in therapy as a nonthreatening means to help clients discuss problems and consider possible solutions. George W. Burns examines the healing value of using metaphors in therapy and provides 101 inspirational story ideas that therapists can adapt to share with clients for effecting change. He explains how to tell stories that engage the client, how to make them metaphoric, and where to find sources for such tales. Burns also shows readers how to build stories from personal experiences or their own imagination to use in session, making this thoughtful book an especially creative therapeutic tool. Contains 101 stories grouped by desired therapeutic outcome, highlighting each story's applicability to a variety of presenting problems Offers talking points for therapists such as speci?c insights, outcomes, or skills that are illustrated by the stories Features shaded tabs that index stories by therapeutic outcome for easy reference and selection

Foreword By Michael D. Yapko, PhD. Introduction. The Importance of Stories. METAPHOR THERAPY. The Power of Stories. Effective Storytelling. Stories in Therapy. HEALING STORIES. Enhancing Empowerment. Acquiring Acceptance. Reframing Negative Attitudes. Changing Patterns of Behavior. Learning from Experience. Attaining Goals. Cultivating Compassion. Developing Wisdom. Caring For Yourself. Enhancing Happiness. CREATING YOUR OWN METAPHORS. How To Do It and How Not To Do It. Using The PRO-Approach to Create Your Own Healing Stories. Why Do You Teach in Stories? Resources. Index.