116 Exploring different endings to the story
TO THE TRAINER
PART II : THE TRAINING
Exploring different endings to the story
Aim . To explore the notion of ‘ success ’ and allow the group to construct a suitably realistic ending .
Inviting the group to decide how the story ends gives the participants an opportunity to demonstrate some of their skills and creativity . We can then explore with them the notion of ‘ successful treatment ’ in their culture and context .
This is an important issue . Invite the group to reflect on their criteria of success . What has to happen for them to say that their work has been successful ? What do they feel and do when they ‘ fail ’?
Ask the participants to share their personal experiences . Try to broaden their view of what ‘ success ’ is . One way is to pick out each new skill the Butterfly Woman acquires , and describe it as a success . Highlight too that the helper had many successes when she assisted the Woman . Be aware that some cultures apply strict and narrow criteria of success , which can make helpers feel unsuccessful and burdened .
Ask the participants to think about what the Butterfly Woman achieved when she learned new skills , applied recovery and grounding techniques , and built relationships with other survivors .
Ask the participants to reflect on what they would do in the following situations :
• The Butterfly Woman decides to re-join her family .
• The family refuses to allow her to return .
• The Butterfly Woman decides she does not want to be with her family .
• She decides to create a new life without her family .
Reflect further on whether it is possible to draw on other resources than the survivor ’ s close family . Ask what other resources exist in the community , and what resources might be available outside it .
End by reflecting together on how we can create hope and bring some help , even when the situation defeats our traditional understanding of what success is .
Let this lead to a discussion of how we feel as helpers when we do not manage to help and do not feel we have been successful . What support do helpers need when they work with women in situations where it is hard to achieve success ?
DISCUSSION
Discussion . Measuring success .
After considering what ‘ success ’ and ‘ failure ’ are for the group and for helpers , start a wrap-up discussion of the training . Try to create a positive moment to end on .
Finally , you might narrate a last extract from the Butterfly Woman ’ s story : the Trainer ’ s cut . Does it end well ?