I help changemakers tell impactful stories that resist harm by speaking about trauma-informed storytelling.

If you want someone to facilitate learning on trauma-informed and ethical storytelling, that person should do so with abundant kindness, empathy, and grace.

And that’s where I come in.

I’m Maria Bryan, and I help storytellers safely gather and tell painful stories. Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, I have trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.

I’ll provide you with an interactive virtual or in-person training for your upcoming conference, summit, retreat, or for your teams and members. Storytellers will feel equipped with actionable insights and resources grounded in kindness and empathy.

So, if you’re planning an event and need someone to teach trauma-informed and ethical storytelling with compassion and grace, let’s talk.

Training Sessions

When Bearing Witness: Trauma-Informed Storytelling Training

2-Hour In-depth Team Training

Storytelling has immense power to connect, educate, and inspire change. Given the pervasive trauma in the nonprofit space, we're responsible for telling stories that promote safety and resist harm. 

This hands-on training will equip your team, staff, or members with the knowledge and tools to become trauma-informed storytellers. Through real-world case studies, scenarios, and guided group discussions, participants will gain practical tools and strategies for navigating the complexities and nuances inherent in trauma-informed storytelling. 

This training will benefit a range of nonprofit roles, including fundraisers, marketers, communicators, grant writers, researchers, and videographers.

Takeaways

> Gain insights into trauma, trauma responses, and their impacts.

> Learn a structured workflow that prioritizes consent and readiness when collecting sensitive stories.

> Understand the importance of language, media choices, and protection of vulnerable populations in crafting narratives that promote safety.

> Know how to create a review process, identify appropriate platforms, and establish protocols for addressing harm or ethical concerns during story dissemination.

> Review and discuss trauma-informed and ethical storytelling case studies and scenarios.

> Understand how vicarious trauma can impact storytellers and learn nervous system care practices.

> Put learning into action with the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, Media Consent Form, a Story Gathering Workflow template, and a Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness.

Investment

$1,500 virtual training

$2,000 in-person + travel and accommodations  

Stories That Resist Harm: Exploring Trauma-Informed Storytelling

1-hour Training

Storytelling tradition tells us that "if it bleeds, it leads," which is easy in nonprofit marketing since we're solving the world's biggest problems. Those we serve are experiencing tremendous pain and overcoming insurmountable challenges.

Can we gather and share nonprofit stories in a way that protects, dignifies, and respects those we serve? This training will explore trauma-informed storytelling, which promotes safety and resists harm. Attendees will be equipped with actionable insights and tools to tell trauma-informed and ethical stories that have a huge impact.

This webinar will benefit a range of nonprofit roles, including fundraisers, marketers, communicators, grant writers, researchers, and videographers.

Takeaways

• Understand the impact of trauma and why trauma-informed storytelling matters.

• Learn about the three kinds of people impacted by a story— the story owner, the story receiver, and the witness.

• Gain simple and actionable steps to integrate trauma-informed practices in all aspects of storytelling, including story gathering, crafting, and distribution.

• Learn self-care practices as a nonprofit professional vulnerable to secondary trauma.

• Take home the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Toolkit, which includes a Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines template, a Media Consent Form, a Story Gathering Workflow template, and a Body Scan Meditation for storyteller wellness.

Investment

$500 virtual webinar

$750 in-person workshop + travel and accommodations

Nervous System Care to Prevent Nonprofit Burnout

1-hour Training

In the nonprofit sector, where the work is often emotionally demanding and resource-constrained, changemakers often experience burnout. This can lead to decreased productivity and high turnover rates, ultimately hindering the organization's mission and impact.

Attendees will be equipped with practical and accessible strategies for caring for their nervous systems, which play a crucial role in managing stress and emotions. They will also explore the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes well-being.

This training is designed for individuals from all backgrounds and professions who want to prioritize their well-being, prevent burnout, and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• Understand the signs and impacts of stress and burnout.

• Learn the importance of caring for your nervous system and the consequences of neglecting it.

• Gain practical and accessible nervous system regulation practices

• Create a personalized plan to implement nervous system care practices into your daily and weekly routines.

• Develop strategies for setting boundaries and building resilience to reduce burnout in the long run.

Investment

$500 virtual webinar

$750 in-person workshop + travel and accommodations