Capturing Essence
Our stories matter. YOU matter.
Through listening with all of our senses, creating a failure free environment and using our storytelling skills to produce meaningful life story tools and resources, we can effectively capture the true essence of a person.
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Guided Autobiography (GAB) classes:
Through small group sessions, participants get to know one another in a judgement free setting, learn effective writing techniques, stimulate creative thinking and utilize priming questions to evoke memories.
Following each session, each participant is encouraged to write two pages on the theme provided, which will then be shared with the group during the next meeting in a “story circle” atmosphere.
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Through writing and sharing with one another, we observe our own stories from different perspectives and form new connections with ourselves and one another. GAB has been known to form positive connections, lead to improved self-esteem, mood and energy levels while also decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.
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Interested in attending a Guided Autobiography group? Email to find out about upcoming opportunities: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com.
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Life Story Videos (also known as “Digital Storytelling (DST)”):
A digital story is both a process and a product. The product is your well told, meaningful 2-4 minute video. The process is how it is created.
Through one on one sessions, we spend time together determining what story you want to tell and then work on telling and crafting the story using powerful screenwriting and storytelling techniques.
You will be guided in telling your story using your own words, voice, images, video and music whenever possible. But don’t worry – there are ways we can capture your story in a meaningful way even if your access to these is limited.
Once your mini movie is finished, you determine who you want to share it with and we hold a story screening where the audience will be invited to listen, learn and connect with you in a guided setting. The goal is always to enhance the wellbeing of the storyteller.
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Interested in creating a life story video? Email: awestruckaspirations@gmail.com to find out more.
Lisa Joworski
Therapeutic Recreation &
Life Story Specialist
For the last two decades, Lisa has worked in therapeutic recreation with individuals living with various forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration). She is also a certified Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor and Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator.
Lisa's goal is to give individuals a platform to share their personal stories, have their voices heard and capture the essence of who they are for when it truly matters.
Life Story Video
A process and a product that promotes social engagement, cognitive stimulation, emotional connections and positive self identity.
Guided Autobiography Group
Write your life stories two pages (one moment) at a group setting.
Learn the value of story circles and find your sense of identity belonging and connection.
Printable Life Story & Dementia Related Resources
Check out our Etsy shop for meaningful activities including word games, activity bundles, conversation prompts, life story tools and more!
The Life Story Video Process
Phase 1
Getting to know each other:
Before meeting in person, we can connect either by phone or virtually (Zoom) to ensure all questions are answered and it feels like something that is a good fit for all.
Look through pictures, videos, mementos:
To prepare for our visit, it is really helpful to have meaningful pictures or other memorabilia handy for us to look through together. .
Phase 2
Finding the story:
Through meeting in person (or in some cases, virtually), you (the storyteller) will be invited to share details about your life story and what really matters to you. The conversation may be recorded (only with your consent of course), to assist in producing the video.
Telling and crafting the story:
There is something to be said about hearing the voice of the storyteller, so we will work together to produce a
2-5 minute story draft that can then be read out loud to create a voiceover. Once we have the story told, we add in pictures, memorabilia, music, sounds and transitions to make it just the way you want it. You can be as involved in this process as you want to be!
Revising the video:
A complete draft of your video will be shown to you so you can share your feedback on what you would like changed to make it as perfect as possible. Final edits will be completed by your digital storytelling guide.
Phase 3
Sharing the story:
Your story matters, your voice matters and your message matters...more than you know! With this, a special screening of your video is part of the process!
To recognize your accomplishment and give people the opportunity to hear your story, we will discuss ways in which you may wish to share it, whether it be with your family, friends or others.
The video is yours!
Your video will be given to you on a flash drive/USB or another preferred method. Other options will be discussed for ways to store and share it as you wish.
Life Story Video Examples
Some examples can be seen on the
AWE Struck! Aspirations YouTube channel, however Life Story Videos are meant to be personal and private by choice.
Please reach out if you would like to set up a virtual call to see private samples (with their consent of course).
Interested in learning more?
Let's connect.
Office
Email:
awestruckaspirations@gmail.com
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Phone:
1 (519) 878 5121
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