Creative life story work is rewarding, uplifting work. Learning about creative life story work can be just as much fun!
Whether you are organizing a large-scale convention or planning a more intimate team-building event, I offer a range of educational opportunities designed to engage my audiences in active learning and inspire them with great new ideas!
Attendee feedback:
"A stunning team experience!"
"Enjoyed watching everyone's stories come to life!"
"Very hands-on."
"I am leaving with great new ideas!"
Christine's teaching resume:
I began my teaching career as a faculty member of the Creative Arts Therapies Department at Concordia University in Montréal, where I taught the first generation of drama therapists in Canada. When I relocated to Ottawa, I joined The Glebe Institute as an associate trainer/facilitator of reflective practice communities for front-line workers and health care professionals. More recently, I have found a way to combine my three enduring interests - the creative arts, narrative and community work - to create lively, engaging learning experiences for people from all walks of life.
Presentation and workshop themes include:
Creative Approaches to Communication
People with limited verbal communication skills want very much to feel included, to connect with people in their community and to interact socially. Without support and encouragement, however, communication difficulties can lead to social exclusion and emotional isolation.
Interactive arts (drama, dance, visual arts, music) involve multiple forms of expression. When we combine verbal communication with these non-verbal methods of communication, we cross language barriers, making it possible for all people, irrespective of language fluency, to engage and participate in social interaction.
- Expand your repertoire and maximize engagement with some arts-based communication skills!
Storied Lives in dementia care
For people living with dementia, communication can become increasingly difficult. This one-day workshop will focus on a range of creative approaches to life story work that make it easier for people living with dementia to participate socially and connect meaningfully with others.
Life Story Projects in Dementia Care
'Getting to know' the person, separate from their condition, is widely accepted as best practice in dementia care.
Storied Lives life story projects are about making it easier for people who are living with dementia to connect with others - family, friends and professional caregivers - in meaningful ways.
- Learn how to co-create a life story document and then use it to personalize care, facilitate communication and build relationships.
“Through my exposure to this program, my ability to tap into the memories of my clients has been strengthened and I truly believe that my creativity and courage have soared. ”
Involving Families
Inclusive Communities
The Reminiscence Project, an action learning program involving staff, volunteers, day program participants and their families at Carefor Health & Community Services Carling Day Program in Ottawa.
Connecting lives through stories creates relationship and community and at Storied Lives our team approach to life story work is designed to bring everyone - caregivers, care recipients and their families - closer together.
- Learn how life story work can provide a focus for building connected, caring communities.
This team approach to life story work was developed during two highly successful on-site action learning programs at Carling Day Program in Ottawa. See Past Projects →