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What we learned from legendary psychiatrist Milton Erickson about storytelling

Sometimes I feel like Thidwick the Moose from the book 'Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose,' my patient tells me. Slumped in the armchair, her body language exudes helplessness and resignation to an uncomfortable reality, with all its imposed challenges.

I ask her to tell me the story. She begins with a tone of defeatist boredom, but lo and behold, as she progresses through the story, she becomes more and more enthusiastic. Her body language changes. By the end of the story, she leans forward with glee, looking like she wants to jump out of the chair and dance.

When she finishes, she rubs her hands together in enjoyment.

I ask her, "What about this story reminds you so much of yourself?"

She pauses, reflects for a moment, and then, calmly, describes her struggles and how she now understands them through the comparison to Thidwick's story.

Before I even explore how she envisions a solution, she excitedly tells me how she, like Thidwick, realizes it’s time to say goodbye to all the conventions and appeasements she has always demanded of herself for others.

The sense of liberation she experiences in these moments is almost like a rebirth.

The real revelation comes in the next session when she shares her discovery that, in fact, the the people around her never demanded all these commitments she took upon herself. The only reason she felt required to please and set internal rules was that only if she fulfilled all the duties would she be considered worthy and acceptable.

"I enslaved myself to commitments that didn't even exist and were only a product of my imagination," she concludes with relief.

I note to myself yet another significant event that unfolded before my eyes due to metaphor's healing power, this time through the sweet story of 'Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose,'

There is no doubt that quality literature has a far-reaching impact on a our emotional world, And of course for young readers.

The right literature can be not only a source of enjoyment and learning

but also a powerful therapeutic tool.

Words, characters, and stories are like magical tools, capable of penetrating deep into a child's soul and making a significant change.

One person who understood the power of stories was psychiatrist Milton Erickson. Erickson was known for telling his patients stories, through which he instilled hope and healed them. He understood that metaphor is a particularly powerful tool, capable of bypassing conscious resistance and touching the deepest places in the soul.

By using metaphorical stories, Erickson could address complex emotional issues indirectly, allowing his patients to gain insights and find healing in a way that felt natural and unforced.

Stories speak to the right side of the brain, which perceives the world through the senses. When we listen to the right story, we surrender to it, identify with the characters, and experience their journeys. The right brain comes to life, and the story becomes a reality for us on an emotional level.

This is why stories can mimic hypnosis. The immersive nature of storytelling means that children can internalize the lessons and emotions conveyed in the story, often without even realizing it. This subconscious processing is a key element in why stories are so effective at influencing emotions and behavior.

Choosing appropriate stories is therefore crucial. Quality stories not only entertain children but also nurture values, encourage them to deal with emotions and difficult situations, and provide them with emotional tools to face life's challenges. Using stories can teach children about hope, courage, friendship, and love. For example, a story about a character overcoming obstacles can inspire a child to develop resilience and perseverance. Similarly, a story about friendship and cooperation can help children understand the importance of empathy and teamwork.

When we choose literature for our children, we choose the emotional experiences they will undergo. Children's stories can enrich their inner world, strengthen their self-confidence, and help them develop profound insights about themselves and the world around them. These insights are often delivered in a way that feels safe and accessible to children, allowing them to explore complex emotions and situations from a secure vantage point.

Furthermore, quality literature can serve as a mirror for children, reflecting their own experiences and emotions back to them. This can be especially helpful for children who feel isolated or misunderstood. Seeing characters who share their struggles and triumphs can validate their feelings and give them a sense of belonging. It can also provide them with strategies for coping with similar challenges in their own lives.

Therefore, it is worthwhile to choose books that speak to children in their language. These books respect their intelligence and sensitivity, and provide them with empowering and strengthening experiences. Stories with rich, descriptive language and well-developed characters can capture children's imaginations and draw them into the narrative. Books that tackle real-life issues in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner can help children navigate their own emotions and experiences with a deeper understanding and confidence.

In conclusion, quality literature touches the deepest parts of a child's emotional world. By carefully selecting and sharing meaningful stories, we can help our children grow into emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and resilient individuals. The stories we share with our children today can shape their futures in profound and lasting ways. So, let's fill their lives with stories that inspire, empower, and heal, nurturing their psychological well-being and setting the foundation for a bright and hopeful future.

And as the wise saying says, adults enjoy children's books too. Every adult was once a child, and the child they once were still lives within them. They crave the same emotional validation and acceptance that a real child needs.

That's all for now.

I’d love to read your comments. See you in the next post,