The Power of Storytelling

Spanish Interpretation

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to humanize recovery, reduce stigma, and create genuine connections. This training explores why personal narratives matter in recovery spaces, offering guidance on how to share stories with purpose while protecting confidentiality, respecting autonomy, and ensuring truthfulness. Participants will also learn how to navigate risks, center inclusivity, and represent the diverse paths of recovery in their storytelling.

The session goes beyond theory by equipping participants with practical tools for different formats—oral, written, and digital—as well as strategies for engaging with media and handling challenging questions. By the end, attendees will understand how to share stories ethically, authentically, and with confidence, using storytelling as both a healing practice and a driver of community and policy change. Key aspects to be covered include:

• Welcome & Introduction

• Why Storytelling Matters in Recovery

• Ethical Storytelling Guidelines

• Managing Risks and Promoting Inclusivity

• Storytelling for Advocacy and Media Engagement

• Practical Storytelling Modalities

• Wrap-Up and Call to Action

Intended audience:

This webinar is intended for:

• Community leaders

• Peer recovery specialists

• Health professionals

• Professionals in substance use treatment and prevention

• Mental health practitioners

• Researchers

• Policy makers

• Recovery advocates

Learning outcomes:

By attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand storytelling’s role in recovery

2. Learn ethical guidelines for recovery-oriented storytelling

3. Gain practical strategies for media engagement and public speaking

Presenter:

Joseph Sanchez

Joseph is a dedicated advocate for recovery and an accomplished leader in the field. He began his journey with the Recovery Alliance of El Paso in 2005 and has since become a respected mentor and trainer for peer recovery support services. With a background in recovery coaching, curriculum development, and training, he's passionate about helping others in their recovery. 

His personal mission is to inspire positive thinking and forward movement through motivation, education, and empowerment. Joseph's work extends to creating statewide and national standards for Peer Recovery Support Services.
 

Webinars and online events delivered and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.