Digital storytelling: A proposed creative therapeutic intervention for bereaved families

Abstract

Digital storytelling is a qualitative visual research method that is becoming increasingly popular. It is based on collaboratively creating short digital movies conveying participants’ stories which can also be presented to the public, and represents not only a research method but also a beneficial therapeutic tool for both adults and children. Within the context of psychotherapy, digital storytelling has helped individuals to connect not only at an intrapersonal level, but also at an interpersonal level, and has been a valuable part of the healing process. Based on these promising findings, this article presents a proposed creative intervention for bereaved families based on digital storytelling together with a dance-movement activity. The steps are outlined, and the goal of this intervention is to help the bereaved to build resilience, to process their grief and to heal together as a community. The implications for practice are then discussed.