Handle With Care: 8 Tips for Telling Trauma-Informed Stories 

Last year IMIX was asked by the Sussex-based charity, Bramber Bakehouse to help tell the stories of ten women they have worked with for a photobook to be published as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations. Bramber Bakehouse supports women who have experienced abuse, exploitation or displacement through providing baking classes, life skills, mental health tools and mentoring to begin their lives again.  

This project built upon our practice of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling which we have formed over many years of working with people who have migrated to the UK, most of whom have been through huge turmoil in their lives. Many of the women interviewed in the project had experienced significant trauma including modern-day slavery, trafficking, violence and conflict. 

Listening to the women share their stories required deep sensitivity and empathy. The editing process was focused on allowing their own, powerful voices to come through while also shaping the stories into a strong narrative which the reader would connect with.  

The project had a big impact on us as a team and enhanced our understanding of what it means to tell ethical stories in a truthful and impactful way. Here are a few practical guidelines which we learnt through the process.  

1. Create a safe space 

Ensure the meeting is set-up well. If necessary, meet with the participant before the interview to let them know the questions you will ask as well as to agree a space and time that makes them feel relaxed and safe. Consider meeting face-to-face or online whichever they prefer. If meeting in public consider how noisy the area might be or if other people close-by will be able to hear. If meeting at the person’s house,  consider if other people will be present like family or flatmates – make sure the storyteller is comfortable talking around these people. Avoid doing the interview somewhere very private like a bedroom as this does not follow good safeguarding protocols. Consider hiring a room at a local library or meeting at a local charity. Give time for breaks when needed and if someone’s story is long and complex, consider doing it over two sessions. 

2. Respect the boundaries 

Before starting the interview, understand the storyteller’s boundaries. Ask them if there is anything specifically they don’t want to be asked about or anyone who could be harmed if details about them are revealed publicly. Sometimes someone might feel like they have to agree to do an interview because they feel a debt to a charity which has supported them. Make sure they know the interview is not compulsory and they can share as much or as little as they want. Go through the IMIX safeguarding checklist with them before the interview. Let people know where the story will be published, how it will be used and if it will be put on social media. 

3. Always offer anonymity  

Make sure the person being interviewed understands that they can remain anonymous. They can use a different name and even change a few details of their story such as the exact place where they are from or their age. Let the audience know that names and small details have been changed. If using photography, ask the participant how they would like to be portrayed. On the Bramber project, each woman was photographed with a flower which represented their story. Some of the photos focused solely on the flower, some showed the woman holding the flower, others were in shadow. Each woman was able to choose what the image would look like; they were in control. 

Sometimes people might have their own photos they want to use or be happy for you to take a photo of them. Check out our blog for tips on taking anonymous photos in creative ways. Even if someone wishes to hide their face, they can still tell the audience something of their story. Take a look at 1000 Dreams for some inspiring examples of portrait photography with people from refugee backgrounds. 

4. Let the storyteller guide the story  

You might have an idea of how you want to tell someone’s story – or how that story could be used in the media, on your own social media channels or to boost fundraising. When someone has experienced trauma as well as a loss of control and agency in their journeys, it’s important to let them lead the storytelling as much as possible. This might not take the exact trajectory that you want it to. Not every story has the exact happy ending an audience might expect. People’s journeys are not always linear – allow room for questions to remain. Keep the story honest and authentic. It is important to show someone’s growth and their ongoing  journey. Try not to formalise language too much while still making sure the narrative makes sense. Allow their voice to come through. 

5. Tell a fully human story  

Explore other aspects of their life outside of the main narrative of their story. What are their hopes and dreams? What do they like to do at the weekends? What are their hobbies? Do they have any special skills? These kinds of details can really humanise a story and help the audience to see the connections between themselves and the storyteller. It’s also an important reminder that people are much more than just the trauma they may have experienced. Many people want to move on from past experiences and talk about their work as campaigners, business owners, athletes etc. On the Bramber project, the women had a range of talents and skills: there was an artist, an entrepreneur, a carer, a tax specialist, a charity project manager and a performer – and they all had hopes and dreams for the future.  

6. Always show people the story before publishing  

When you have finished writing up the story or editing the video, allow the storytellers to see it and feedback before you publish it. Respect their comments – even if you have to take out one of your favourite paragraphs. When someone shares their story with a journalist, they might not be given the opportunity to see an article before it is published. If however you are producing the story, it’s good to give people the time and opportunity to feedback. Bear this in mind when working towards a deadline. Not everyone has good access to the internet so it might be a few days before they even get the chance to read or watch it. If necessary, arrange a call to discuss the piece. Allow plenty of time for this dynamic feedback process.   

7. Offer follow-up support if necessary  

For some people being interviewed about their story can bring up a lot of trauma. Direct people to other services which might be able to support them or have someone else in your organisation get in touch to see how they are doing. Encourage the participant to take some time out after the interview and take care of themself. You could encourage them to talk to a friend or go for a walk. Follow up with the interviewee once the story has been publicly shared to check they are happy with everything.  

8. Look after yourself  

It is also crucial to look after yourself when interviewing people about their stories. Vicarious trauma is a real thing. Listening to someone talk about difficult experiences in their lives can trigger a range of emotions in us, some which might be unexpected. This can also have an impact on the interviewer’s own physical and mental health. You might need to process and talk through what you have heard with someone or even seek supervision or counselling. It’s also important to spend time doing something which gives you energy when you’re going through this process  like swimming, running or reading. Looking after yourself is an essential part of the work.  

For many people, sharing their story is an empowering and important stage in moving forwards. When told well, with skill, care and insight, these stories can have a crucial role to play in challenging stereotypes and humanising pervasive media narratives.  

The women’s stories from the photobook: TEN: Portraits of Resilience can be read on the Bramber Bakehouse website.