In this 6 minute talk, Drew Dudley explains how leadership does not require particular titles or a specific amount of economic or political power. He discusses the sometimes unknown, yet profound, influence of everyday people.
Category Archives: narrative
Good Advice
I went to a show over the weekend. I expected to hear some good music and poetry. These expectations were exceeded when I received this letter on the merch table: After 8 Years of Facing my Own Mental Illness, by Shira.
Trauma Stewardship
In addition to other healthy life practices, I find great resiliency in a self-book: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. This book provides a framework for managing vicarious trauma. The text outlines 16 possible imbalances within a caregiver or service provider–such as cynicism, deliberate avoidance, hypervigilance, and an inability to embrace complexity. Readers can self-assess their experience and make adjustments. This collection of research and anecdotes relates to various human services, including social work, law enforcement, education, and medical fields.
Therapy Style, continued…
Another important part of my therapy style is seeking and developing Exceptions. Exceptions are times/places/relationships when the problem does NOT present itself.
It can be argued that some suffering is part of the human condition; however, the worst problems have a way of becoming a dominant theme, encroaching on multiple areas of life. I help people develop problem-free zones. Articulating and building these exceptional experiences helps develop nuanced awareness and the increased personal agency required to respond to difficulties.
The Grand Prix of Hallucinations
A community-based treatment culture in Japan empowers people with schizophrenia to live meaningful, connected lives by sharing their self-directed research, interactive presentations, and theatrical Hallucinations and Delusions Grand Prix . These activities foster inclusion and accountability. “I used to be a captive of my symptoms. Now I investigate them.” Bethel House.
Live Through This
A powerful photo essay collection that promotes awareness, care, and transparency: “Live Through This is a collection of portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors, as told by those survivors.” This project was initiated by someone challenged her suicidal thoughts and behavior. She invited other suicide attempt survivors to share their experiences of suffering and moving forward.
Book Review: Your Life as Story
I’ve been facilitating a workshop Gilda’s Club Kansas City for over a year: the Autobiography Workshop. We use the tools of literature and autobiographical writing to conceptualize and share a personal story, including a flawed hero, adversary, crisis, and resolution/meaning. The book Your Life as Story, by Tristine Rainer, has been an invaluable resource for these workshops. Her book provides inspiration and practical writing prompts to help the reader explore memories, develop writing tone, and create a structure “the way a stargazer recognizes constellations.” I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to develop or share their narrative or anyone wanting to interview a loved one and record their legacy.
Anti-Bullying
A Creative Way to Manage Mental Illness
Giulietta Carrelli manages her schizoaffective disorder, in part, by making herself a recognizable public figure. She wears the same clothing style everyday; has unique tattoos; and takes the same route through the city everyday. Strangers get to know her and help her when she experiences psychotic episodes, which she calls “Trouble.”
She expanded her support network by developing her own business (starting with $1,000), which apparently created a toast craze throughout the city. This article gives a poignant narrative about Carrelli and answers the question of “why toast?”