Story Medicine Wisdom Seeking Group with Dr. Renda Dionne Madrigal
Indigenous cultures view stories as medicine, and believe that old stories hold wisdom and relevance for our lives today. They recognize that stories are not just entertainment or historical artifacts, but are powerful tools for healing, growth, and connection to the land and our ancestors. When we come into relationship with old stories in a traditional way, we are changed by them. The Story Medicine process is a circle of six sessions over six months that is aimed at helping individuals discover the wisdom and relevance of old stories in their lives today, to facilitate growth and healing.
The program utilizes a range of experiential processes, including embodied mindfulness, expressive arts, writing, and active imagination journeys.
Participants are encouraged to engage with the stories in a personal and reflective manner, to gain insights and understanding that can be applied to their current life situations and the world.
Join us on Wednesdays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm PT:
March 6
April 3 & 24
June 5
July 3
August 7
We request participants attend the whole program to respect the container of the class and Dr. Madrigal. We understand that life happens, and if you know you will miss more than one class, we recommend that you join at a time when you are available for all the sessions. The classes will not be recorded to honor the oral tradition of Indigenous wisdom. Your presence and engagement in the class is essential for the course.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Dr. Renda Dionne Madrigal is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Registered Drama Therapist, Trainer, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with over twenty years of experience in the field. She has been featured on the cover of Mindful Magazine and was recognized as a Powerful Woman of Mindfulness in the August 2022 edition.
Dr. Renda Dionne Madrigal is also a mentor for the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior Mindfulness Awareness Research Center Teacher Training Program, a UCLA Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, certified with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a Stanford Certified Applied Compassion Educator/Consultant. She is also faculty at the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles and California Indian Nations College and is the President of Mindful Practice Inc.
Dr. Renda Dionne Madrigal specializes in embodied mindfulness-based practices, which combine mindfulness, somatic therapies, and storytelling to support insight, healing and growth. As a Turtle Mountain Chippewa, her Indigenous heritage informs her work and adds a unique perspective and depth to her approach.
In addition to her work as a clinician, Dr. Renda Dionne Madrigal is also a writer and performer. She has appeared in indigenous plays written by her daughters and community theatre and enjoys writing fiction featuring Indigenous female protagonists who save the world. Her book, The Mindful Family Guidebook, has been well-received and listed as a Best Book of Mindfulness 2021 by Mindful Magazine. She is currently working on her next book, Story Medicine.