What is one of the purposes of the use of storying in Child and Youth Care?

The use of storying in Child and Youth Care serves multiple therapeutic and developmental purposes, with one of the primary objectives being to facilitate understanding of self. Through storytelling, children and youth are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a narrative form. This process enables them to reflect on their identity, relationships, and life situations, fostering a deeper awareness of their emotions and behaviors.

Storying can effectively help young people make sense of their experiences, offering them a medium to explore their inner world and gain insight into how they see themselves and their interactions with others. By constructing and sharing their own stories, they often find ways to articulate challenges, dreams, and aspirations, which can lead to personal growth and empowerment.

This approach also supports emotional development, as it helps children and youth articulate complex feelings and encourages empathy when they hear others’ stories. By recognizing similarities and differences in experiences, they can develop a more nuanced understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Thus, the role of storying in facilitating understanding of self is pivotal in promoting healthy emotional and psychological development within Child and Youth Care practice.