Chapter Two
What is Storywork?
"Your life is a magnificent story, custom designed to reveal God's Glory!"
You have a story and that story matters!
Storywork is a reflective, healing, and spiritually formative practice that explores the stories that have shaped your soul (the ones you've lived and the ones you've inherited).
In short:
Story work is exploring your personal narrative so you can recognize God's presence, heal what hurts, and live the life that was custom designed for you — not an inherited script.
We all have stories that need healing and restoration. Unlike traditional therapy, the goal is not to fix or diagnose, and unlike many churches and communities we will not avoid conversations due to fear, discomfort, or lack of training.
What It is NOT:
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Trauma Dumping
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Rewriting the past to sound positive
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Blaming your family or reliving worst memories
Through the process of story work, s.
Through the sacred practice of storywork with Dr. Shonda Carter: WE seek to listen for God and for what your story is revealing about your soul's journey and discover the threads of meaning woven through your experiences.
The search is over, here you will find a wise (StoryLogian = story expert + theologian), compassionate spiritual director for your journey of spiritual awakening and transformation.
The Storywork Journey
Every transformation follows a pattern. Here's what the journey often looks like.
Stage 1
The Call
Something stirs within—a restlessness, a question, a longing for more.
Stage 2
Threshold
You stand at a crossroads, sensing that the old path no longer serves.
Stage 3
The Descent
The journey inward begins, facing what has been avoided or unknown.
Stage 4
Discovery
New understanding emerges. Patterns become visible. Meaning takes shape.
Stage 5
The Return
You integrate the wisdom gained and step into your next chapter.
“So take seriously the story that God has given you to live. It’s time to read your own life, because your story is the one that could set us all ablaze.”
― Dan B. Allender, To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future
Stories I Often Companion
Life's transitions are invitations to deeper understanding. Here are some of the journeys I frequently walk alongside.
This is just a
CHAPTER
not the whole story
Creative Awakening
When artistic expression becomes spiritual imperative leading to a shift in perspective and motivation.
Spiritual Questioning
Navigating faith transitions with curiosity rather than fear.
What's My Purpose
Discovery through self-reflection of your S.T.A.G.E & contributions to something greater than yourself.
Hitting the Wall
Exploration of an obstacle that prompts an inward journey of doubt and questioning. AKA crisis of faith or a "dark night of the soul."
Holy Listening
Attentive listening to/for God using your whole being to discern God's presence in ordinary and extraordinary moments.
What's Next
Retirement, moving, new career, new baby, empty nest, going back to school or any fresh chapter calling for meaning.
My Approach
How I Hold Space
Spiritual direction through storywork is not about giving advice or solving problems. It's about creating a sacred container where your deepest truths can emerge and be witnessed with compassion.
Deep Listening
I listen not just to your words, but to the spaces between them — where the soul often speaks most clearly
Gentle Inquiry
My questions are invitations, not interrogations. We explore at your pace, honoring your wisdom and recognizing that God is the true Director.
Sacred Presence
I hold space for whatever arises - joy, grief, doubt, wonder - without judgement of agenda.
Narrative Integration
We weave the threads of your past, present, and future into a coherent, meaningful whole.
Chapter Three
Ways We Can Work Together
$120/session • 60 minutes
Individual Spiritual Direction
Monthly sessions where we explore your spiritual journey through the lens of your personal narrative. Together, we create a contemplative space for deep reflection and discovery. Confidential sacred space Personalized reflection prompts Between-session email support Flexible scheduling
Spiritual Retreats
Step away from daily life for a few days of deep reflection, creative spiritual disciplines and spiritual renewal in a peaceful luxurious setting.
Choose the path that resonates with where you are in your journey.
״When we leave the pen in His (God) hands we will never be disappointed with the story of our lives.״
Chapter Four
Your Story Matters
Begin your reflection journey with these free resources.
Your story is a lot more than a series of memories or trying to get in touch with your inner child. To engage your story is to collide with your heart. Here's why.
DOWNLOAD COMING SOON- thank you for your patience.
My Shero?
Who are the women in the Bible whose story resonates with you? Write a letter to one of them, sharing what you've learned from her mistakes or idealized about her achievements/qualities, and how it affected you.
The Gift of the Wound
Consider a painful experience. What unexpected gift or strength emerged from that difficulty? How has it shaped who you are today?
The Discipline of Gratitude
List 10 things you're grateful for. Then, for each one, dig deeper: Why this? What does it reveal about what matters most to you?
Recall a moment when your life took an unexpected turn. What were you seeking before this moment? What did you discover after? Write for 15 minutes without stopping.
The Unopened Door
What invitation have you been declining? What door have you walked past many times? Describe the door. What do you imagine lies behind it?
Back to the Future
Write a letter from yourself 10 years in the future. What does that wiser self want you to know right now?
Facing the Wall
What wall are you standing in front of right now? What must you leave behind to step through? What might you find on the other side?
Chapter Five
My Story
Dr. Shonda Carter, D.Min, MTS, M.A
I am a storylogian, "rulebreaker," and documentary maker.
Through spiritual direction and wrestling with my own story, I ended up with an alphabet behind my name and inadvertently discovered that I had become the person I needed at the start of my formation journey. I simply needed a compassionate witness to help me see them.
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D.Min Spiritual Formation & Soul Care
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M.T.S. Theological Studies
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M.A. Christian Spirituality and Formation
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Certified Spiritual Director
Yes, those credentials are impressive, but they are not to show off or brag...I studied to "show thyself approved" and to do what I absolutely love...help women discover the sacred story unfolding (personal and biblical). Through compassionate spiritual direction rooted in storywork, we'll explore the narratives that shape your journey, uncover deeper meaning in your experiences, and help you co-author the next chapter of your spiritual life with intention and grace.
Chapter Six
Let's Talk
Every journey begins with a single step. Share a bit about yourself (where you are on your spiritual journey, what is stirring in you right now). I would love to connect!
