Finding Self-Love Through Story: A New Tool for Healing and Reflection
By: Brittany Holmes
At A Picture’s Worth, we know that storytelling has the power to heal. It reminds us of who we are, what we have survived, and what we can become. When someone shares their truth and is met with compassion, something powerful happens. Confidence grows. Hope returns. And little by little, self-love begins to bloom.
This belief guided our Data for Equity cohort in one of our most meaningful projects to date. If you’ve been following along, you may remember the group’s work focused on building pride and healing among people in recovery from human trafficking and related traumas. Convened and supported by recovery journey expert Viann Barnett, they listened, gathered stories, and uncovered deep themes of strength, resilience, and transformation.
Led by Kezia Carpenter, PhD, the research team discovered six powerful themes that showed up again and again in the narratives. These themes connected our storytellers in unexpected ways and spoke to something bigger. They were universal. They reflected the heart of what it means to move forward through pain with courage.
To bring these themes to life, our own Amanda Bollman designed an illustrated narrative booklet. Every page reflects wisdom and beauty from the stories that were shared. Amanda’s artwork captures emotion in a way that words sometimes cannot. Then, project guide Viann Barnett made a thoughtful suggestion. What if this became more than a booklet? What if it could also be used as a creative and therapeutic tool?
That idea sparked something even more special. We added a coloring book component so people could engage with the themes in a way that felt safe and calming—and personal. And, at the request of our cohort members, we also included journal pages. These blank pages invite readers to reflect, write, and add their own stories. Whether someone wants to draw, color, or jot down a memory or dream, the space is there.
This resource is for anyone on a journey of healing. It is for people in recovery. It is for counselors and caregivers. It is for anyone seeking connection, creativity, and a deeper sense of self-worth.
Right now, we are imagining what a full “learning and healing through narrative” package might look like. We see it being used in schools, community spaces, recovery programs, and even at home. We are proud of the work, and we believe it can meet people where they are.
If you are curious or would like to see a sample, we would love to talk. You can set up a time to connect with Elissa Yancey to learn more.
Healing takes time. So does self-love. But with support, reflection, and stories that show us we are not alone, it becomes possible.
Ready to take a closer look? Reach out today.
