VIEWPOINT: Every story is an act of power: Take care with sharing clients’ stories
Guest column by Darla Biel, Ed.D.
Stories are at the heart of direct service and clinical work. Whether written in case notes, shared in supervision, included in grant reports or told at community meetings, stories help others understand the impact of our work. They build emotional connection in ways data alone cannot. But storytelling is also an act of power, and when we’re not careful, that power can unintentionally cause harm.
For many families, their stories are told about them, not with them. Direct service providers often hold the microphone through professional language, reports and presentations. Even with good intentions, stories can strip dignity, reinforce stereotypes or expose families to stigma, especially in small or close-knit communities where anonymized details are often still identifying.
