English Mental health and gender-based violence English version | Page 124

114 Ending the story
TO THE TRAINER
PART II : THE TRAINING

Ending the story

Aim . To end the story in a good way .
It is important to talk together about how the story is brought to an end . Create the ending together with the group and write it down . Invite the participants to make different suggestions but also try to reach a consensus in the group about the direction the story should take . In particular keep focusing on how the Butterfly Woman will move back to her home community or , alternatively , how she will live her life if going back is not possible . Do this through discussion . Encourage the participants to consider different options , and explore obstacles and possibilities .
Focus on how one can ensure that a returning survivor enjoys continued support , to help her and those around her to deal with situations in which she may be triggered and feel overwhelmed again . A survivor needs to feel safe and connected to the here and now .
KEY POINT
The story reminds survivors that
• When they find themselves in situations that might trigger their trauma reactions , they should be prepared to use the tools they have learned .
• They will find it easier to do so if there is someone they trust to help them .
• They should try to reorient themselves to make new good memories .
Make sure the participants engage actively in planning the return scenario and identify different challenges and possibilities that may be involved in the process .
EXERCISE
Exercise 8 . Ending the story .
For the story to be healing , it needs to end with some kind of hope . Try to identify all the possible resources that are available in the community . Then sum up the rest of the story .