Melody Williamson: Therapeutic Intent
The act of storytelling is as old as humanity itself, serving as a crucial component of our collective human experience. It’s through stories that we understand ourselves, our world, and our place within it. With the advent of technology, the art of storytelling has been transformed, and digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful medium for connection, self-discovery, and healing. In this episode, we delve into the therapeutic and transformative power of digital storytelling, particularly its application in the field of holistic health.
Our guest for this episode, Melody Williamson, is a seasoned Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator. Melody shares her fascinating journey, including her encounters with Mike, who envisioned a universal framework for digital storytelling. She provides insights into the power of digital storytelling in connecting and healing individuals through storytelling workshops at Wellspring Alberta. As Melody puts it, storytelling is not just about entertainment. It’s a mighty tool for mental and emotional wellbeing, a doorway to self-discovery, and a bridge that connects communities.
The discussion further explores the transformative effect of sharing personal narratives. Sharing stories can create a ripple effect, a pebble in the pond, encouraging others to share their own stories and fostering a sense of community and support. The power of storytelling is highlighted in events like Common Language’s Kitchen Table Nights and the Wellspring Festival, where individuals gather to share their stories and engage in enriching conversations. Revisiting these stories years later can lead to new insights and perspectives, emphasizing the timeless power of narratives.
A digital story co-created with Melody.
“I met Mike at a time when he had the early vision for what was to become Common Language and this idea of people all being trained within the same framework and protocols and values. With the extensive research and experience that Mike had, he really knew about how to take the process further. Especially as an individual who wants to hang your shingle as a digital storytelling facilitator, Mike really had what I was looking for to take that next step.”
Another critical aspect discussed in the episode is the application of digital storytelling in healthcare settings. Here, storytelling serves as a means to foster learning and quality improvement by providing insights into people’s experiences. Digital platforms have opened up new opportunities for sharing stories, allowing individuals to connect on a deeper level, learn from each other’s experiences, and work towards improving the quality of care.
The episode concludes with Melody sharing her plans for the future, including her intention to undergo Level Three training and mentor other Common Language DST facilitators. She emphasizes the importance of continuing the work of storytelling and expanding the community of digital storytellers. Her vision is reflective of the broader mission of digital storytelling – to create space for individuals to tell their stories, connect with others, and facilitate healing.
In summary, this episode underscores the power of digital storytelling in promoting emotional wellbeing, fostering community, and enhancing quality of care in healthcare settings. It’s a reminder that each one of us has a unique story to tell, and by sharing our narratives, we can inspire others, foster empathy, and contribute to healing and growth. As we navigate the digital age, storytelling remains a timeless tool that helps us make sense of our lives, connect with others, and navigate our shared human experience.
About Our Guest
Like all of us, Melody Williamson has been a storyteller all of her life – from reading books on her mother’s lap to a career in professional theatre, to her consulting work in equity and social justice issues. In recent years, she has combined all of her skills and experience into her passion for giving voice to those voices that aren’t typically heard and creating connection between people through digital storytelling. She has worked with parents of children with varying abilities, parents with medically complex children, and she is the Digital Storytelling Team Leader for Wellspring Alberta, working with people on a journey with cancer and their caregivers. Melody is excited to collaborate with not-for-profit and private organizations to co-create stories with a wide variety of people whose voices need to be heard!
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
