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The Question That Changed My Work
Description
In this episode, Maria shares the question that changed the trajectory of her work and ultimately led to the creation of the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program.
After years of working in nonprofit marketing and communications, Maria was leading a virtual storytelling webinar when someone asked her a question she didn’t have the answer to.
Maria explores what she began to notice once she looked back at her own storytelling work through this new lens, from the limits of good intentions and signed consent forms to the emotional impact of bearing witness to difficult stories.
She also shares some of the biggest lessons she has learned after guiding more than 160 people through the When Bearing Witness training program, including why consent must be ongoing, why harm repair matters, why storytellers need care too, and why knowing the principles of trauma-informed storytelling is very different from applying them in real organizational situations.
You’ll also hear how those lessons are shaping the next chapter of the training program and its expanded focus on practice, reflection, and community.
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
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