Storytelling is more than words – it’s a powerful tool that connects people, preserves culture and builds understanding. From ancient cave drawings to digital media, stories shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. 

Our storytelling courses, which are offered online or in-person, will teach you how to craft a dynamic, engaging narrative that captivates audiences or begin a journey of healing. Instructor Shari Wiltshire says the most important aspect of storytelling is that it gives everyone a voice.  

“It gives voice to our personal experiences. It gives voice to parts of us that are silent at times. It allows us to share a piece of ourselves with the world, and it allows us to get better at a form of creative art,” Wiltshire said. 

These courses will help you feel more confident and encouraged to share your story.

In Narrative Therapy: Trust Building and Trauma Recovery through Stories, an online course offered Fall 2025, you’ll explore your personal experiences with grief, loss, and trauma, and learn how to craft narratives that build trust and support healing.

You’ll learn how to give voice to grief, navigate trauma and start a journey of healing through intentional storytelling.  Whether you’re seeking to process your own journey or helping others do the same, this course is designed to develop your storytelling skills, teach you how to hold space for others, and learn how to create a community of mutual healing and understanding.

“We try to support healing within the classroom space so people can get some kind of justice around experiences they’ve had,” Wiltshire said. “What does it mean to heal from this experience? What kind of justice are you seeking?”

This course is open to everyone, but it may be of particular benefit to therapists, counselors or educators, who can use storytelling as a powerful tool for healing with their clients or students.

“It is an internally focused class, internalizing thinking about your own experiences, but when you start to go through some of the prompts and exercises, you could do this with another group,” Wiltshire said. 

Standard registration for the course is $249. Early bird pricing ($199) is available until Aug. 12, 2025. Discounts are available for VCU alumni, employees, students and members of the military.