I can attest to the fact that Story is medicine because I followed my inner compass and hired Amanda Johnson to facilitate a Craft Your Own Heroic Narrative workshop for a group of special education professionals I led on retreat. Amanda masterfully helped teachers on the edge of exhaustion and career burn-out tell a new story of empowerment and possibility.

Her process helps people move from a place of powerlessness and victimization to a deep sense of agency. Giving educators (who typically work in isolation in their classrooms) a chance to share their stories with peers opened the door for new friendships, healing accountability partnerships, and professional mentorships to grow from the sharing of stories.

Following the retreat, several participants credited the work to encouraging them to change their minds about leaving the profession. This is the collective work we need to begin to change the culture within our institutions, and Amanda is the person to lead it.

Polyvagal breathing techniques, centered and grounded mindfulness approaches, cognitive-behavioral modeling, and even some smatterings of psychospiritual methods are intertwined to provide outcomes similar to that of narrative therapy. (And don't forget the dark chocolate—there is research to demonstrate that it really does help us deal with dementors!)

From the perspective of 'deep psychology,' Amanda’s process emulates that of an ancient healing pedagogy of storytelling through writing. She encourages others to define what lies outside of our conscious awareness and may even illuminate that which an author may hold in an unconscious space: thoughts, impressions, and feelings which may not have been previously admitted, even to oneself, including potential collective consciousnesses aspects with cultural and archetypal dimensions.

Amanda’s invitation is in the tradition of depth work—one in which the participant may observe, grapple with, and consider what it means to really heal, and then share that journey with others who may find connection and even hope through the process.

I met The Story Oracle when I was looking to author a book. I had no idea, nor even ventured to consider, that this book I had always wanted to write would right my world in ways that no other form of education or therapy or medication or inspirational seminar or guru could.

Narrative therapy on steroids, anyone?

In-person retreats at wondrous locations and online retreats in my jammies at home gifted me with the guidance I needed and a community of like-minded messengers that served as a lifeline through the process and continues with the lifelong friendships that were formed.

I had the pleasure of hosting Amanda Johnson as a presenter for our Pause & Connect clinician series in Scottsdale, and her presentation was truly exceptional.

Amanda has a remarkable ability to create a space where professionals can pause, reflect, and reconnect with the power of personal and professional storytelling. Her approach was engaging, insightful, and deeply meaningful.

What stood out most was Amanda’s ability to blend vulnerability, wisdom, and actionable takeaways in a way that resonated with everyone in the room. Her presentation sparked meaningful conversations that continued long after the event ended.

The feedback from clinicians was overwhelmingly positive. Participants left feeling inspired, more self-aware, and equipped with practical tools they could immediately apply in both their professional and personal lives.

I highly recommend Amanda to organizations, treatment programs, healthcare professionals, and teams seeking a unique and transformative experience that fosters connection, reflection, and growth.