Welcome, new members. Take a look around the classroom. We're still building the community, but if you have any questions or concerns about what we're doing or what we're building, please let me know. In the future, we're going to have classes on and about individual chapters in the upcoming book, post-traumatic growth and film/video-based therapy, so hang in there to start with. Just introduce yourself and let us know what your impression of what post-traumatic growth means.

As some of you know, our Skool space is growing alongside a forthcoming volume that many of you are directly contributing to—or deeply aligned with in spirit. The book explores how film, video, music, immersive media, and storytelling can move people beyond trauma toward posttraumatic growth, not just symptom reduction. It builds on Film/Video-Based Therapy and Trauma and expands the field into expressive arts, participatory media, and emerging technologies. The volume includes a foreword by Albert Skip Rizzo, whose work in virtual reality and trauma care has shaped global clinical practice, and a second foreword by Lynn Crandall, grounding the work in media psychology and cultural context. What excites me most is that this Skool community mirrors the table of contents—not as chapters, but as people in dialogue. 🔗 Threads You’re Already Sharing Here are just a few natural points of resonance I’m noticing across contributors and members here: - Therapeutic filmmaking & changework→ Mal Williamson’s chapter on Eye Movement Therapy and Cinema speaks directly to how film functions not just representationally, but neurologically and relationally. - Art therapy, embodiment & filmmaking as process→ Judyta Potocka’s work positions filmmaking as an alchemical vessel—deeply aligned with others here exploring embodied, arts-based research. - Language, narrative & contemporary anxiety→ The chapter by Gaia Ardia, Karim Farsakh, and Paola Lamberti on eco-anxiety and social media narratives opens questions about authorship, voice, and meaning in the digital age—questions many of you are already holding. - Music, sound & social resistance→ Lisa Whealy’s chapter on music, memory, and resistance resonates strongly with broader discussions here about equity, culture, and media as social intervention. - Survivor-led storytelling & recovery→ Lisa Regina’s chapter reflects a throughline in this community: lived experience shaping ethical, compassionate approaches to healing through story.

👋 Welcome to Your Digital Storytelling Project Welcome — we’re glad you’re here. This is an educational, self-paced learning community built around books, contributor interviews, and discussion at the intersection of film, media psychology, digital storytelling, and post-traumatic growth. There’s no required order, no deadlines, and no expectation to participate perfectly. Where to Start 1. Watch any interview that interests you 2. Skim the accompanying slides or materials (optional) 3. Join the discussion if and when you feel ready You’re welcome to observe quietly, reflect privately, or engage in conversation — all are valid ways of being here. How Discussion Works - Share reflections, questions, or interpretations - There are no “right” answers - Emotional, symbolic, and psychological perspectives are all welcome - Respectful dialogue matters more than expertise This is a space for learning, not proving. A Note on Pace Everything here is asynchronous and flexible.Come and go as needed. Return when something resonates. If you’re comfortable, feel free to introduce yourself — or simply take some time to explore. We’re glad you found your way here.

If you just joined us, please post a brief biography and introduce yourself to the group.