Stories Are Sacred
Welcome to the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program—an immersive and experiential learning experience designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to gather and tell stories that promote safety and wellness while also resisting harm.
Through this comprehensive program, you'll delve into the intricacies of trauma-informed storytelling, gain a deep understanding of the potential impacts on story owners, storytellers, and audiences, and learn how to approach sensitive stories with empathy and care.
Join us for a trauma-informed storytelling journey that will forever shape how you approach and share world-changing stories.
What to Expect
The winter cohort will take place January 27 through March 7, 2025.
Self-Paced Learning Modules
Short videos with learning and exercises
Video transcripts
Digital workbook for reflection and active engagement
Suggested pace: 1 module per week
Live Virtual Integration Sessions
Three live virtual sessions on February 5, February 19, and March 5, 2025.
Guided space to ask questions, discuss challenges, and share reflections as you move through the modules
Trauma-Informed Storytelling Templates and Resources
Story Gathering and Distribution Guidelines
Story Gathering Workflow
Media Consent Form
Storytelling Consent Checklist
Trauma-Informed Interview Guidelines
Story Retraction Protocol
Storytelling Harm Repair Plan
Body Scan Meditation for Storyteller Wellness
“Maria has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to trauma-informed storytelling. This certificate program is perfect for busy non-profit marketers and storytellers looking to set up trauma-informed protocols at their organizations. The lessons are clear and informative, and the integration calls helped build community with others doing this work. I’m excited to bring what I learned back to Lund to enhance our storytelling process and further reduce potential harm for the story owners we work with.”
Curriculum Overview
Module 1
Understanding Trauma
1.1 What Is Trauma & Types Of Trauma Responses
1.2 Impacts Of Unresolved Trauma
1.3 Why Trauma-Informed Storytelling Matters
Module 2
Story Gathering
2.1 Story Gathering Workflow
2.2 Consent And Determining Story Readiness
2.3 Interview Process
Module 3
Story Crafting
3.1 Language And Copy Choices
3.2 Media Choices
3.3 Protecting Highly Vulnerable Populations
Module 4
Story Distribution
4.1 Review Process
4.2 Appropriate Platforms
4.3 Story Retraction
Module 5
Storyteller Self Care
5.1 Understanding Vicarious/Secondary Trauma
5.2 Setting Boundaries
5.3 Nervous System Care
Module 6
When Harm Happens
6.1 Feedback Process
6.2 Storytelling Harm Repair Plan
6.3 Developing Kindness, Empathy, And Grace For Self And Others
Is This For Me?
The When Bearing Witness® certification program is ideal for a variety of storytelling roles, including:
Communicators
Consultants
Fundraisers
Grant Writers
Marketers
Podcasters
Researchers
Videographers
“Maria’s Trauma-Informed Storytelling workshop was incredibly insightful for me and applicable to my work. The self-paced process meant that I could go through the modules on my own time, when I was in the right frame of mind to learn, and the virtual sessions were well-timed and inspiring. Maria’s passion for the topic shone through, and her genuine and caring nature made me comfortable with participating in the discussions.”
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of the program, participants will earn a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge, recognizing their achievement in trauma-informed storytelling. While this certificate is not accredited by a government agency or educational institution, it stands as a testament to your dedication and learning.
Investment
Ready to Enroll?
Start your journey towards becoming a trauma-informed storyteller. Enroll in the Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program today and join the winter 2025 cohort.
Investment is $497 per person, with a split payment plan option. Offering group rates, email hello@mariabryan.com for more info.
Scholarships
In partnership with mission-driven brands, we offer When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program scholarships for BIPOC storytellers and nonprofit professionals with limited financial resources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Thank You To Our Scholarship Sponsors!
Meet Your Trainer
Maria Bryan is a Trauma-Informed Storytelling Trainer.
She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm.
Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.
She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation.
Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
What Past Participants Have To Say
The Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification courses were just what I needed to enhance my knowledge, determine upon which I could improve, and put into place some immediate practices. In the nonprofit space, we are all storytellers, and the people whose stories we are sharing deserve to have power over their story, how we tell it and how much is shared. Their stories have can have a profound impact on spreading awareness, raising funds and helping others... but we must center the storyteller in the process so they are empowered, protected, respected and have agency. This trauma-informed storytelling course provides perspective, tools, resources, and examples of how we can empower and protect the storyteller.
- Stacy, Stacy Nunnally Consulting
This was amazing! I learned so much and I am excited to speak with HR and Directors about implementing an SOP that covers topics in the modules and worksheets/resources.
- Kayla, Shelter, Inc.
Trauma-informed storytelling is on the cutting edge for nonprofit communicators, marketers, and fundraisers looking to align their day-to-day operations with their values and ethics. Degrees in journalism, communications, marketing, and development can only teach us so much. When applying our craft in the nonprofit field, a certification in trauma-informed storytelling ensures that we intentionally conduct our work in ways that put people and relationships first.
- Carrie, StreamLine Storytelling
Maria's course taught me valuable new skills in how to work sensitively with clients dealing with a life-changing diagnosis or childhood trauma. Maria's exceptional knowledge, sensitivity, and empathy make her course a must-take for anyone working in the trauma-informed storytelling field.
- Sarah, Midori Communications
This program deepened my understanding of trauma and how to offer more safety and compassion when working with people with lived experiences of traumatic situations. I've been working with non-profits, telling individual's stories for nearly twenty years and was thrilled to learn new approaches and tactics for creating safety.
- Alexson, Small Adventures Communications
