A woman with curly dark hair wearing a patterned red and white sweater stands on a sidewalk in front of a blurred background of trees and parked cars.

The Power of Our Stories

65-110 Minutes

Resource Review(optional, add 20 minutes)

Writing Exercise

Once Upon a Time...

Breathing Exercise

Guided Discussion

Little Elizabeth

Breathing Exercise

Guided Discussion

Resource Review(optional, add 20 minutes)

Silent Reflection

Set an Intention(optional, add 5 minutes)

Closing Thoughts and Evaluations

Participants will be able to:

  • Draw conclusions about protagonists and demonstrate empathy through reflection and discussion

  • Make interpretations and connections between the films and their own experiences, thoughts, and feelings

  • Evaluate their own self-talk and draft supportive self-talk phrases to use when challenges occur

"The Power of Our Stories" asks participants to consider their inner narrative, or the stories they tell themselves when they make mistakes or encounter challenges and setbacks. They'll draft some beliefs they have and statements they make about themselves, and keep these in mind as they watch two films in which protagonists use storytelling as healthy ways to address their realities. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will analyze the films’ themes and their relevance to their own experiences. The session concludes with an opportunity to consider inner narratives from a different angle to better support ourselves in the future.

Note: This class has two optional Supplemental Resources that can allow for more time spent learning about alcohol use disorder and positive self-talk strategies, as well as the option to set an intention. Please plan to add 45 minutes total to the class time if you plan to incorporate both of these Resources and the setting of an intention.

Considering Our Own Mental Health

topics covered

Creativity, Mental Wellness

aom nutrients

Honest Self Reflection

casel sel

Self-awareness, Self-management

wellness wheel

Creative, Emotional

identities

Child / Children, Adult, Black, White, Woman / female

film style

Drama

Films Included