The Story Haven
Narrative Identity Workshop
Making Sense of Who You’ve Become Through Storytelling
Our lives are shaped by the stories we live—and the stories we tell ourselves about what we’ve lived.
The Narrative Identity Workshop is an optional offering within The Story Haven for
participants who want to reflect more deeply on how a health or illness journey with their child
has shaped their sense of self, purpose, and meaning.
This workshop is not therapy. It is a guided storytelling experience that helps you pause,
look back, and gently name how your experiences have influenced who you are today.
What Is Narrative Identity? (In Simple Terms)
Narrative identity is the way we make sense of our lives by connecting past experiences,
present realities, and future hopes into a meaningful story.
When life takes an unexpected turn—especially through illness, caregiving, or loss—it can
disrupt how we see ourselves. This workshop offers space to explore questions like:
- Who was I before this journey?
- How has this experience changed me?
- What strengths have emerged that I didn’t know I had?
- Who am I becoming now?
What You’ll Do in the Workshop
- Explore key moments that shaped your journey
- Reflect on challenges, values, and sources of meaning
- Notice themes of resilience, faith, love, or growth
- Begin shaping a personal narrative that feels true to you
Writing is encouraged but never required. Sharing is always optional.
What This Workshop Is—and Is Not
This workshop is:
- Reflective and meaning-centered
- Guided and structured
- Focused on storytelling and identity
This workshop is not:
- Therapy or counseling
- A crisis or support group
- A space where you are expected to “fix” or resolve everything
You remain in control of what you explore and how deeply you go.
Who This Workshop Is For
- Feel changed by your child’s health journey
- Are trying to make sense of what you’ve lived
- Want language for experiences that feel hard to explain
- Are curious about how story can restore clarity and agency
What You’ll Take With You
- Greater clarity about your personal journey
- A deeper understanding of your identity and values
- A sense of agency over your story
- A written reflection or draft (if desired)
Some participants may choose to share their final story through the
Health Stories Blog or Health Stories Podcast,
but this is always optional.
