therapeutic storyworking
​with Jon Cree

Join the waiting list

Jon Cree is also running a Supporting Children Through Anxiety and Trauma Course at the Centre the day before this course.

   This course:

• Supports children's wellbeing and development
• Connects children with nature​​

​ABOUT THE COURSE

This therapeutic storywork course will equip educators with tools for working in a therapeutic way with nature based stories, storylines and storymaking, which can be used in or with the natural world.  While this does not equip educators with counselling or therapy skills, it will provide a framework for educators to work with their learners in a therapeutic and playful way through story in nature.

In these times of growing anxiety and often unresolved trauma, contact and, importantly, deeper connection, to the more than human can provide essential respite and often resolution to some of the anxieties we all face. We are creatures of metaphor and the language of story can help us find
meaning, hope and ways of working through life’s problems.

For people who have been on Jon Cree's Reframing Challenging Behaviour course or his Supporting Children through Anxiety and Trauma workshop, this course is an extension of these two courses but equally stands alone for those new to this area of work.

The day will cover:

• The therapeutic benefits of storymaking and telling – what is trauma and anxiety and the role of story.
• Exploring body sensation and emotion through some simple story exercises.
• Techniques of working with traditional tales and their meanings.
• The key components of a ‘story’ to bring meaning to stressors in the human world.
• Using a non-violent communication model when creating stories with the aid of natural world materials.
• When and how to work with story – it’s all in the timings!
• Ways of processing story in groups in the nature space – through various ‘emotional playgrounds’ and ‘activities.
• Creating and telling our own stories through nature based metaphors.
• How to effectively work with pace, passion, place, pitch and tone – body and voice together.
• Resources and stories (old and new) to lean into.

THE COURSE WILL GIVE YOU

• Understanding of the therapeutic benefits of story making and telling
• Understanding of when and how to work with stories with your groups
• Confidence in creating and telling stories with your groups

THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR

Outdoor learning practitioners and teachers.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable clothing for spending the day outside
  
• Sturdy footwear
  
• Packed lunch or lunch can be purchased from the Beech Café on site
  

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Jon Cree has almost forty years’ experience as an environmental/earth educator and trainer. His passion is helping others ‘get in touch’ with the natural world through dynamic learning programmes and hand-on learning experiences. He has for many years worked in Forest School, particularly with learners who are often stressed by our education system, home circumstances or other situations that set them apart from 'the mainstream'. And yet we all bring gifts to the communities we are part of. During the pandemic signs of stress, anxiety and even trauma have become more prevalent and Jon has been diving deeper in 'somatics' and body based approaches.  He has been asked to run even more trainings on anxiety, stress and trauma, and how the more than human world and creative practises can support our nervous systems.  This is based on the many years he has worked with young people, especially adolescents.

Check Out Accommodation 

You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course for 2 nights or more in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

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