116 Exploring different endings to the story
TO THE TRAINER
PART II: THE TRAINING
Exploring different endings to the story
Aim. To explore the notion of‘ success’ and allow the group to construct a suitably realistic ending.
Inviting the group to decide how the story ends gives the participants an opportunity to demonstrate some of their skills and creativity. We can then explore with them the notion of‘ successful treatment’ in their culture and context.
This is an important issue. Invite the group to reflect on their criteria of success. What has to happen for them to say that their work has been successful? What do they feel and do when they‘ fail’?
Ask the participants to share their personal experiences. Try to broaden their view of what‘ success’ is. One way is to pick out each new skill the Butterfly Woman acquires, and describe it as a success. Highlight too that the helper had many successes when she assisted the Woman. Be aware that some cultures apply strict and narrow criteria of success, which can make helpers feel unsuccessful and burdened.
Ask the participants to think about what the Butterfly Woman achieved when she learned new skills, applied recovery and grounding techniques, and built relationships with other survivors.
Ask the participants to reflect on what they would do in the following situations:
• The Butterfly Woman decides to re-join her family.
• The family refuses to allow her to return.
• The Butterfly Woman decides she does not want to be with her family.
• She decides to create a new life without her family.
Reflect further on whether it is possible to draw on other resources than the survivor’ s close family. Ask what other resources exist in the community, and what resources might be available outside it.
End by reflecting together on how we can create hope and bring some help, even when the situation defeats our traditional understanding of what success is.
Let this lead to a discussion of how we feel as helpers when we do not manage to help and do not feel we have been successful. What support do helpers need when they work with women in situations where it is hard to achieve success?
DISCUSSION
Discussion. Measuring success.
After considering what‘ success’ and‘ failure’ are for the group and for helpers, start a wrap-up discussion of the training. Try to create a positive moment to end on.
Finally, you might narrate a last extract from the Butterfly Woman’ s story: the Trainer’ s cut. Does it end well?