Tell it by Heart: Women and the Healing Power of Story [Paperback]

Erika Helm Meade (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 19, 1995

'Tell It by Heart' is a collection of stories about contemporary women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds who have one thing in common: each embraces a pertinent myth as her guide through a difficult passage. Narrated by therapist Erica Helm Meade, these fictionalized case studies carry us along with all the intrigue of good short stories while at the same time instructing us in the use of healing lore.

"Clean, crisp, startling, intelligent and fun, these fictionalized case studies show that life imitates art -- and that art tells the stronger truths". -- James Hillman Author of A Blue Fire

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In a marvelous melding of personal narrative, myth, and psychology, professional storyteller and counselor Meade, who uses myths and fairy tales in therapy, discusses not only how a story's meaning can reflect a person's life struggle, but also how the process of storytelling and story listening is itself revelatory. In each of the extended case studies that make up this book, we see the way story functions to reveal inner sorrows and then heal them. In one case, a mother and daughter, estranged as a result of unacknowledged incest, are found to be enacting the myths of merciful Kuan Yin and tempestuous Pele, respectively, and only through each woman's finding the other's goddess within herself can healing occur. In another, a middle-aged woman finally releases her multiple griefs by engaging with an American Indian tale about Coyote and Eagle and, in the process, finally finding the strength to quit smoking. As compelling as short stories, these case histories are moving testimonials to the powers of story in alliance with therapy. Patricia Monaghan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: Open Books / Dreamcatcher; 1st edition (December 19, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812693027
• ISBN-13: 978-0812693027
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,274,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

To be human is to have a story," says Erica Helm Meade who balances her work-life between two passions: creative writing and a private practice in psychotherapy. "The two arts feed one another," she says. "Both have to do with character, the human condition, and the psyche's bent toward narrative as a way to make meaning."

A lifelong student of myth and folklore, Erica sees mythology as the first psychology and often brings a pertinent story into the consulting room. "It's powerful to visit that place where the personal and universal overlap. When a story strikes a chord it goes to work on you. Catharsis, insight, perspective, compassion, solace, courage- all these can come from a well-chosen tale." She has written two books inviting us into this process, TELL IT BY HEART: Women and the Healing Power of Story and THE MOON IN THE WELL: Wisdom Tales to Transform Your Life, Family, and Community, both published by Open Court.

"At the heart of therapy," she says, "are the stories that define us- family stories, personal stories- spoken and unspoken. These can inspire or constrict us. The stories we tell ourselves shape our perception of the moment and set the tone for the future." Erica's current book in progress, THEME-WORK: How to Re-Story Your Life and Get Over What Holds You Back, is about deconstructing the restrictive stories in our heads. It takes a look at how they got there and what purpose they once served, and shows ways to replace them with stories that are more lively, optimistic, creative, and best of all, more true. Erica's process with life story invites us to be more fully present to what we know to be true, and act on it; thus becoming the hero or heroine of our own lives.

Other passions include family, hiking, organic cooking and sustainable culture, especially gardens.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories about healing that themselves heal a reader., November 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tell it by Heart: Women and the Healing Power of Story (Paperback)

I came across this book in my search to find information about narrative therapy. Meade's book is a writer-therapist's dream -- she SHOWS rather than TELLS the reader what narrative therapy is all about. A great book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon and a fantastic teaching tool for students of any of the healing arts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mythic Treasure, November 12, 2007

By 

George Mcgrath Callan (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tell It By Heart: Women and the Healing Power of Story (Dreamcatcher) (Hardcover)

Meade's description of her heartfelt work as a therapist, community worker, and sublime storyteller is a gift. She bridges the world of the story with the world of personal suffering. By way of her own encounters she exposes the healing power of myth to rekindle love and connection. There is a deep poetic intelligence in this book and it is skillfully woven with humor, humility and tenderness. As a therapist and teacher myself, I revisit this book time and time again. I teach graduate counseling courses and this book is always on my syllabi, either as required or highly suggested reading. I can think of no better text for teaching students to work from the heart.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Storytelling at its best, November 9, 2007

By 

Eric J. Mulholland - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tell It By Heart: Women and the Healing Power of Story (Dreamcatcher) (Hardcover)

I love this book. As an actor and arts educator, I am drawn to books about personal stories and how people are transformed by telling them. Helm-Meade's style of storytelling is warm and engaging. In this honest re-telling of personal stories, she takes the reader on a journey into the heart and gives us an opportunity to explore our own depths of compassion. A great book for sure.