Module 7: Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales
Introduction
- Theme: Issue-based narrative psychology
- Focus on introducing story material into practice/life and selecting appropriate stories for psychological experiences
Learning Objectives
- Strategies for using story material
- Selecting stories that mirror psychological challenges
Key Questions
How do fairy tales illuminate life's challenges?
- Fairy tales offer understanding during life's transformations and challenges
- They provide insight and hope at every life stage
Examples of Fairy Tales for Specific Challenges
1. Sexual Abuse and Parental Abuse
- The Handless Maiden: Represents life force dismemberment
- All Kinds of Fur (Grimm's Tale): Addresses parental abuse
- A king promises to marry his daughter, who escapes with a magical cloak
- Symbolizes hiding trauma and eventual revelation of beauty underneath
2. Cruelty
- The Juniper Tree (Grimm's Tale): Deals with cruelty and transformation
- A boy is killed by his stepmother and returns to life as a bird
3. Rape
- Sleeping Beauty Variants: Address non-consensual relationships
- Sun, Moon, and Talia (Italian Version): Darker themes of awakening
4. Domestic Violence
- Bluebeard: Escape from abusive marriage
- Fitcher's Bird: Similar theme with a proactive escape
5. Addiction
- The Red Shoes (Hans Christian Andersen): Symbolizes loss of control and addiction
6. Bereavement
- Vasilisa the Beautiful (Slavic Tale): Mother's blessing symbolized by a magical doll
7. Loneliness and Not Fitting In
- The Ugly Duckling: Transformation into accepting one's uniqueness
Working with Children and Fairy Tales
Role of Fairy Tales in Child Development
- Help develop social maturity and autonomy
- Encourage courage and useful life traits
Considerations for Using Stories
- Avoid enforcing morals/interpretations
- Allow children to discover hidden possibilities
Techniques for Working with Children
- Choosing Appropriate Stories: Based on child's needs
- Using Story Prompts: Stop at choice points to explore alternatives
- Transforming Known Stories: Relate to child's situation
- New Story Sequences: Create new adventures with known characters
- Encouraging New Story Creation: Guide through prompts
Eliciting Stories from Children
- Use toys and objects as prompts
- Discuss the child's thoughts on story elements
- Maintain privacy and encourage creativity
Key Insights
- Fairy tales help externalize problems and explore resolutions
- Focus on imagery and emotional resonance
Conclusion
- Reflect on fairy tales and life challenges
- Upcoming final module will explore different ways of working with fairy tales
Discussion Prompt
- Consider a favorite fairy tale and its illumination of life issues or stages
Thank you for your attention and look forward to further discussions.