Using Storytelling for Counseling With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

This article presents a fictional case study that illustrates the use of a model for storytelling, focusing on counseling with traumatically abused children. A review of information on child welfare is presented with a historical account of expressive modalities used in the therapeutic context when working with children. Since stories provide a developmentally appropriate means of communication, a brief review on the efficacy of using storytelling techniques with children is also provided. While the value of stories is inherent and commonly known, formal methods for utilizing stories in counseling are lacking. This article creates a foundation in which counselors can embrace storytelling as they seek to understand the stories with which children work. A fictional case vignette further illustrates the use of a model for storytelling.