The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss

18 reviews for The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss

1. K. Elliot

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 12, 2023

   The power of writing or telling stories

   I read this book while participating in a book discussion group led by Sandra, the author. What a fantastic experience! Working the exercises in the b...More

   I read this book while participating in a book discussion group led by Sandra, the author. What a fantastic experience! Working the exercises in the book led to a wonderful new, freeing perspective. Having suffered traumas growing up, I had considered that to be "my story". Working with Sandra's book I came to see that those events were big catalysts in my story, but they weren't my full story. The really interesting and important part of my story is who I have become and what I have done with my life since those events, and who I will continue to become. What a refreshing perspective!
   
   The book discussion group was fabulous. Sandra creates an environment of intimacy and trust that fosters deep reflection and sharing, so we all were touched by and learned from each others' experiences.

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   Di Sunshine

   Rated 5 out of 5

   March 10, 2023

   Life Changing!

   Sandra Marinelli is truly an amazing author! I gained so much insight, and comfort, relief, and clarity in my life by reading her book and utilizing ...More

   Sandra Marinelli is truly an amazing author! I gained so much insight, and comfort, relief, and clarity in my life by reading her book and utilizing the writing prompts included in “The Story You Need to Tell Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss.” I previously did not know how writing helped you process the trauma associated with a cancer diagnosis. I always heard about how positive journaling could be, but thought about it in the way an 8-year-old would think about writing in her diary. But let me tell you, after reading this, and writing about some of my feelings using her creative ideas to get me started I was amazed at how much I had to say and what was buried deep down inside once I started to write and how much I actually enjoyed it.
   
   The book itself has many wonderful feel-good stories and I strongly believe that everyone should be given this book on day one of a cancer journey. Going thru a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment was one of the hardest things a person can do. My emotions and thoughts spiraled and were overwhelming. I can be an overthinker, who can be sensitive and / or my thoughts can become negative at times. This book helped me realize I could process the breast cancer diagnosis and trauma associated with it by writing and journaling. There were many times I paused to think about and process the hard questions, and this beautifully written book was so thought provoking! It helped me work thru challenges deeply buried within me.
   
   By writing “my stories”, it helped me understand issues that I had previously felt uncomfortable even discussing. It helped me reframe my thinking and see things in a different way. If you are considering wanting to seek help to get over a hurdle, an illness, trauma, or a diagnosis, are struggling with emotions, seeking self-improvement, or simply wanting to better your life, I would not hesitate to purchase this book. It’s a page turner. It makes you stop and ponder. You will be amazed by the writing prompts that are included and if you put your pen to the paper, at what will come out. I am grateful and would highly recommend her (and have purchased it several times to give to friends).
   
   THANK YOU AGAIN, SANDRA, I KNOW THIS BOOK HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES!

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   Ann Penton

   Rated 5 out of 5

   April 2, 2022

   Provocative Writing Great at Stimulating Your Own- A Bit at a Time

   Whether you’ve journaled for years –or never before—this book can stimulate some fresh writing. Each chapter has prompts at the end which will spark ...More

   Whether you’ve journaled for years –or never before—this book can stimulate some fresh writing. Each chapter has prompts at the end which will spark ideas…maybe steering you to consider and ponder a “song you love”, “someone you consider heroic”, memories of some “mentor”, etc. It includes real stories from real people including the author, and provocative quotes at the start of each chapter. Sandra Marinella has worked with many cancer patients and veterans and others in doing writing which can help them move through a struggle or unfinished business. You don’t have to even have a big issue to benefit from this book. It can certainly nudge you in new directions and toward moving forward beyond some nagging concerns of any size. She is passionate about helping folks realize the value to themselves which can be found in writing.

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   Karen Roemke

   Rated 5 out of 5

   December 9, 2021

   Just finished reading and ready to start again!

   I have just finished reading The Story You Need To Tell, and am ready to start it again! As Sandra explains in her introduction, it is her goal to tea...More

   I have just finished reading The Story You Need To Tell, and am ready to start it again! As Sandra explains in her introduction, it is her goal to teach the reader how to find and use our stories to manage our difficulties and find the meaning in them. The stories that Sandra shares are very moving and inspirational. And the writing prompts at the end of each chapter are very helpful. I found in this book wonderful tools to explore deep and painful places, and was able to heal through writing. I highly recommend it.

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   Amber M Alford

   Rated 5 out of 5

   July 30, 2020

   This book gave me permission to write.

   Through poems, meaningful well-chosen quotes, writing exercises, and narrative, Sandra Marinella not only gave me a place to start writing, but more i...More

   Through poems, meaningful well-chosen quotes, writing exercises, and narrative, Sandra Marinella not only gave me a place to start writing, but more importantly she gave me permission to start my healing process.
   
   “The Story You Need to Tell”, was the acknowledgement and validation I have longed for since early childhood. After being forced into a career change with the birth of my first child, I was feeling lost and unfulfilled. I had survived trauma after trauma, as well as, having experienced unbelievable adventures, but the stories were trapped deep within my fear.
   
   My copy of “The Story You Need to Tell” is dog-eared, passages are highlighted, exercises are starred, and it is full of bookmarks.
   
   This is a must read for anyone who has experienced trauma, illness, or is grieving.

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   Jennifer H.

   Rated 4 out of 5

   July 9, 2020

   A writer building her own story as she helps build ours -

   'The Story You Need to Tell' is an excellent resource to begin closely 'reading', revising and writing our own stories. As Marinella demonstrates, t...More

   'The Story You Need to Tell' is an excellent resource to begin closely 'reading', revising and writing our own stories. As Marinella demonstrates, through stories of her own and others', sometimes we don't know what our experiences mean or what patterns of behavior we're playing out unless we turn inward. Writing (or recording or telling) our story today, the book suggests, helps us place it in perspective or view it through different lenses. The book provides many jumping off points--through prompts and exercises--to delve into and reflect on personal stories. It encourages, too, how to re-frame our narratives, bending them toward story threads through which we can recover, re-imagine or grow.

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   Jojo

   Rated 5 out of 5

   July 8, 2020

   A book that is worth reading...

   It took me time to read this book as i am a slow reader and wanted to digest everything what the author is trying to say. Every night i make it a goa...More

   It took me time to read this book as i am a slow reader and wanted to digest everything what the author is trying to say. Every night i make it a goal to read a chapter so that i can understand the concepts, the people involve in the stories and on how writing was able to help them overcome such insurmountable situations. I am some one who is afraid to deal with mortality. Death for me is a subject i tried to avoid. Dealing with a loss of some one you love dearly can create a vacuum that is hard to fill up. Sandra delivers a powerful message of hope, courage, faith and love thru her own experiences and others. May this book serve as an inspiration that all is not lost and there will always be a "why" for living. I hope some day i will have the courage to sit down and write my story that i need to tell too. Thank you...

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   Kelly

   Rated 5 out of 5

   August 16, 2019

   Beautifully written - A MUST read. We ALL have a story to tell.

   I had the distinct pleasure of taking Sandi Marinella's writing class here in Phoenix earlier this year, where I was first introduced to this incredib...More

   I had the distinct pleasure of taking Sandi Marinella's writing class here in Phoenix earlier this year, where I was first introduced to this incredible book. It resonated with me - actually grabbed my heart when I read the description - because I lost my beloved dad to brain cancer and yes, I do have a story to tell. Beautifully written, Sandi's ability to get REAL, combined with her gift to help her beautiful storytellers do the same, through her heartfelt guidance - the same love she displayed for us, her students - and gentle encouragement, is something to behold and treasure. The result of course, is this gorgeous book - this soul food. We all have a story to tell. Please tell yours. Sandi will help you. Your body, mind, heart and spirit will thank you for it.

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   Cassie

   Rated 5 out of 5

   September 17, 2018

   Powerful, Healing Work

   The Story You Need to Tell is a must-read for anyone struggling to come to terms with their stories. Sandy Marinella makes it possible not only to id...More

   The Story You Need to Tell is a must-read for anyone struggling to come to terms with their stories. Sandy Marinella makes it possible not only to identify our personal narratives, but take control of them in order to heal and transcend suffering. Sandy's honest examination of her own battle with cancer sets the stage for passionate, sometimes intense introspection. The interviews included in the book enrich the reader's sense of compassion for self and others, which provides the necessary courage to begin self-exploration.
   
   As a survivor of childhood trauma, I was especially encouraged by the book's empowering theme. Sandy is able to convey to her readers the vital message that they are the authors of their own stories, and can weave meaning and value from life's most painful situations. The writing exercises are well-thought out and intended to provoke thought without becoming overwhelming. The result is a guidebook for personal healing.

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   Pamela Bozeman

   Rated 5 out of 5

   August 12, 2018

   Writing Your Way to Victory Over Anything

   Not since Joseph Campbell has there been someone to come along and exalt the importance of sharing our stories; Sandra Marinella is that person. Not o...More

   Not since Joseph Campbell has there been someone to come along and exalt the importance of sharing our stories; Sandra Marinella is that person. Not only have I read this amazing book, which through the art of soul/heart storytelling explains that our stories should never define us but instead be the gift that keeps on giving, I had the honor of meeting the author at a bookstore event. She is as genuine as her stores, as bright as the light those stories shine, and she practices what she teaches. This book may not encourage you to write a published story, but it will inspire you to write your story when you are ready. In that process, you will do as Sandra explains, “Moving our stories from the right side of our brain to the the left side of our brain allows us to control our stories instead of having them control us.” No matter the reason for writing your story, the biggest gift of the process is as the author says “writing promotes reflection.” I highly recommend you make this purchase, and let Sandra lead you on a journey of reflection and healing. Also, all of the proceeds of this book are donated to charity and for scholarships. This gift just keeps on giving.

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   Katy M.

   Rated 4 out of 5

   June 6, 2018

   I really liked this book

   I really liked this book! I wish I had more time to actually do the writing prompts but once I have the time I know it will be good :)

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   Katalyst

   Rated 5 out of 5

   December 31, 2017

   Launch Pad for Self-Discovery & Transformation

   The Story YOU Need to TellBy Sandra Marinella, MA, MEdWriting can re-create us. Sandra’s ideas are a treasure trove. She provides a launch pad for s...More

   The Story YOU Need to Tell
   By Sandra Marinella, MA, MEd
   
   Writing can re-create us. Sandra’s ideas are a treasure trove. She provides a launch pad for self-discovery and transformation. Even writing for ten minutes can tap into unknown resources within and lead to insights and healing. She suggests many paths to reframe our “stories” and shows how to look at life’s challenges from a different perspective. She explains how to free write and to dance with words! She provides many creative writing prompts to help us push the start button. For example, she suggests writing about a person who has changed you in a positive way. She also provides illuminating examples of people who have reframed their life stories and made a huge difference. She shines a spotlight on how to use writing as a to pathway to heal our emotional, mental and spiritual selves. As she says, “when we find and write our stories from the heart, as truth seekers, we change ourselves.”

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   Safer

   Rated 5 out of 5

   July 27, 2017

   An Excellent Book for Helping People Write Their Stories

   Sandra Marinella carefully weaves her story of cancer into The Story You Need to Tell. By doing so, she shows the reader the importance of writing for...More

   Sandra Marinella carefully weaves her story of cancer into The Story You Need to Tell. By doing so, she shows the reader the importance of writing for healing. In this skilfully-crafted book, she shares others' stories of trauma, illness, and loss and how writing helped these individuals cope, grow, and move forward.
   
   As a facilitator of a writing group for women who have or have had cancer, I understand the important role writing plays in their lives. As I read Ms. Marinella's book, I thought about how much of what she said will be useful in working with these women as well as with others who have suffered tremendous losses in their lives.
   
   This book is the best I have ever read on the subject of writing for wellness. I highly recommend it as a guide for those in a "helping" career. Anyone interested in writing can personally benefit from the excellent prompts, guidance and ideas within the book.
   
   The bottom line is that the title says it all. We each have a story to tell, and Ms. Marinella's book is filled with guidance on how to go about writing our stories.

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   Katie Huey

   Rated 4 out of 5

   July 16, 2017

   From page one Sandra has created a safe and encouraging ...

   From page one Sandra has created a safe and encouraging book for writers of all backgrounds! Mixing personal story with helpful tips and writing promp...More

   From page one Sandra has created a safe and encouraging book for writers of all backgrounds! Mixing personal story with helpful tips and writing prompts, she provides a realistic approach to dealing with pain. My fingers were aching to write after each chapter and I can't wait to share her thoughts with other caring and honest people. Sandra gets it - she understands how fragile and vulnerable grief makes us, but also provides the path to hope and healing. A lovely book.

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   Sara Harris

   Rated 5 out of 5

   July 6, 2017

   I also loved the honesty and humor in the telling of her ...

   As a retired psychotherapist, I really I thought I understood about writing as healing. However, when I read this book of Sandi's, I was so deeply tou...More

   As a retired psychotherapist, I really I thought I understood about writing as healing. However, when I read this book of Sandi's, I was so deeply touched by the stories of real people she writes about and how she was able to bring writing to them. I also loved the honesty and humor in the telling of her own cancer story! This came as great encouragement to me, as I was really struggling with a story I needed to tell through writing ( what's the point? my critic would whisper). Her encouragement gave me not only the courage to go on, but helped me see the genuine need to write , for my own transformation. She was right! It has been am amazing process. Having this book is like having your very own writing coach in the room, full of heart, encouragement, and love...cheering you on! Thank you, Sandi, for bringing this tool to so many.

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   Mike Hutchinson

   Rated 5 out of 5

   July 4, 2017

   The author provides tens of useful examples and "writing prompts" that readers will find understandable ...

   This is a fast read that will help many people who have struggled to cope with trauma and other life changing events. I have never kept a journal nor ...More

   This is a fast read that will help many people who have struggled to cope with trauma and other life changing events. I have never kept a journal nor written down my thoughts as I worked my through challenging circumstances. After hearing the positive results/changes obtained by those who life experiences are chronicled by the author, I wish that I had. The author provides tens of useful examples and "writing prompts" that readers will find understandable and relevant. I have become "out of practice" and hence writing has become more challenging for me in recent years. This book will help me dust off the "cobwebs" in a systematic way.
   I have been able to recommend this book and idea of writing as therapy to several colleagues in recent weeks. There feedback has been very positive and at times inspiring. We all need ways to cope. The author has shed valuable light on a tried and true technique!

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   LS Wagen, Author

   Rated 5 out of 5

   June 13, 2017

   Narrative Writing Used to Heal

   Sandra Marinella, a professional English educator, has written a book that is half English writing manual, and half narrative writing therapy, which c...More

   Sandra Marinella, a professional English educator, has written a book that is half English writing manual, and half narrative writing therapy, which culminates in a how-to book on “Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss.”
   
   A retired high school/college writing, and college preparatory reading instructor, she found herself facing a cancer diagnosis. As she chronicled her own spiritual journey in her private journal, she realized that an inner healing had taken place. She began to wonder if this might be true for others, as she had watched some of her troubled students over the years, also experience emotional, and spiritual healing from the personal English essays that she had assigned for her classes. Mrs. Marinella even noticed healing happening in her parent’s use of his own personal journal during his own personal illness.
   
   She decided to research the subject, and discovered that narrative counseling, reframing your own personal narrative with the help of a counselor, was an established and accepted method of psychological counseling. In "The Story You Need to Tell" she cites research psychologist, James W Pennebaker, a pioneer of writing therapy, on the importance of breaking the silence through narrative.
   
   She also wondered if this might be true of the literary side as well. Her educational background which enabled her to study the literary classics confirmed this, as most of the best written classical literary works were born out of the authors’ own personal struggles. And writing for publication not only capitulated the author into success, but also acted as a catharsis for the writer…“The Story You Need to Tell”
   
   This was true of Elie Weisel, who in 1960, published his autobiographical memoir, "Night", about the time that he spent in WWII concentration camps, which is still required reading in high school to this day. According to Mrs. Marinella, this was the story that he needed to tell, and we all needed to hear.
   
   But not all the participants in her writing workshops for veterans and cancer patients need or want to write for publication, so in her book "The Story You Need to Tell", Sandra Marinella concentrates on private journaling. The six parts of her book combine elements highlighting this blend of private journaling, combining psychological healing, and narrative (story) elements. These six parts include Writing: Not Drowning, Writing Down the Self, Finding Meaning through Story, Rewriting our Shattered Stories, Writing to Heal, and Writing to Transform.
   
   She dedicates her book in part to “writers and students who inspire me.” I hope, now a
   
   published author
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   , and
   
   a writer
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   myself, that I am one of those inspirational students of whom she speaks. A student, in her classroom, Room 221, who was inspired by both an exceptional teacher, who loves stories and literature, and by a moving and wonderful writer, who wants to bring healing, and hope through her personal gifts of research, teaching, and writing.

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   Page B. Inman

   Rated 4 out of 5

   May 18, 2017

   The power of words

   This is a different kind of self-help book, it's a way to heal yourself by writing. The author uses her own health battle to help you heal and find yo...More

   This is a different kind of self-help book, it's a way to heal yourself by writing. The author uses her own health battle to help you heal and find your voice. She writes from experience and shares that with all potential writers, even if it's just for you and not publication.
   
   She offers writing prompts to help you find your writing voice and to start to heal from whatever is troubling you. I found it helpful because I've never been a big journal writer, but this book helped me rethink how I want to tell my story and heal from losses that I've suffered.
   
   If you're struggling to feel better about yourself and heal then I highly recommend this book. Thank you to Monique at New World Library for introducing this book to me.

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