Healthy Story
This 1-on-1, in person course uses short story writing as a platform to teach social and emotional skills to youth. On a concrete level it results in a student-led short story. Beyond this it offers a non-therapeutic/analytic space for students to play and create in a way that supports relating to themselves and others in a loving way, and discovering their authentic voice in connection with nature and the people in their lives. Students receive guidance on identifying and expressing emotions, gaining familiarity with social-emotional fundamentals. Classes meet at Walker’s verdant home in south Seattle; parents are welcome to stay until class is over. For best results, every other class meets in a Seattle-area forest.
What we do
As students organically create their stories, we dialogue about four main elements: setting, plot, character, and dialogue. These in turn correlate to four skills: connection with earth to calm and nourish them, recognition of the stories that create the narrative of their own lives and communities, compassionate observation of self and others, and language to communicate through times of conflict without harming themselves or others. I listen, watch, and incorporate these practices naturally as they arise. Every student receives individual focus and personal attention to meet them where they are in their social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
underlying approach
The goal is to lead youth to simple, tried-and-true resources to create a foundation of peace and stability in their internal and external lives. In many ways this is a supplement to therapy, a space to encourage emotional release and expression through play. In an explicit context of non-judgmental support, students often write stories that represent one aspect or another from their lives, creating an opportunity for a protected, organic unraveling. As the teacher, my main focus is to move slowly, build a relationship with each individual at their level, hold appropriate boundaries, and use story as a path to feeling healthy and whole.
Pricing and logistics
$120 for 1.5hr session
$340 for three sessions
$680 for six sessions
Parents/guardians are responsible for pick-up/drop-off from trail heads
Parents are welcome to come on nature walks, though many students (especially older ones) prefer space for themselves
Ideal for tweens and teens, open to all ages 12 and up
Contact for inquiries and further information
What parents are saying
“My son is a pleaser, a giver, and send energy to others which makes him very likeable but yet he puts himself behind others. When he struggled with his academics and a traumatic family event I found Walker and asked if he could help him with his studies but what I found was much more. Walker found an incredible way to access my son’s grief and work them through the emotional story that he created in the Healthy Story class. It has been a way to unlock his unconscious and the result is massive growth in his ability to advocate for himself and his self esteem his skyrocketed.” - Katrina M., CEO Vosges Chocolate
“I was convinced that my oldest would thrive and grow working with Walker. And she has in so many wonderful and exciting ways! Not only is Walker an excellent instructor meeting kids where they are both socially and emotionally but also a supportive navigator of the overall teen journey.” - Rosalyn L.