"Storytelling is one of the oldest ways humans have built community and understanding. From ancient fireside tales to modern therapy sessions, stories connect people across time and emotion. They help us make sense of who we are and how we relate to others. In relationships-especially intimate ones-storytelling can bridge silence, dissolve misunderstanding, and cultivate compassion. Yet, while storytelling is naturally powerful, a structured form of storytelling can be even more impactful."
"The DRCRA model (pronounced Doctor C-Rah /ˈdɑːk.tər si rɑː/)-Description, Reaction, Connection, Reflection, and Application-comes in. The DRCRA model was first developed in my undergraduate course, Intimacy, Marriages, and Families, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Initially, it was designed as a reflective framework for students to learn about family systems, social structures, and personal growth. But what emerged went far beyond learning objectives: it became a shared emotional experience."
"When one student told a personal story, others followed. Vulnerability became contagious, and the class naturally transformed into a compassionate community. As one student wrote in their course evaluation, "The only thing I wish is that we had more story-sharing type of projects, but that's just because I enjoyed it so much." Another wrote, "through learning through other people and interacting with others, I was able to learn so much.""
The DRCRA model — Description, Reaction, Connection, Reflection, Application — offers a structured approach to storytelling that deepens empathy and clarity in relationships. The model originated in an undergraduate intimacy, marriages, and families course at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as a reflective framework for learning about family systems, social structures, and personal growth. Structured story-sharing in that setting produced contagious vulnerability, increased closeness, and a compassionate classroom community. Student feedback emphasized enjoyment, learning through others, and greater comfort with sharing. Each DRCRA phase targets a different facet of understanding and relationship development to bridge silence, dissolve misunderstanding, and promote compassionate application.
Read at Psychology Today
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