This modified story tree workshop using a floral format allowed participants (survivors of domestic violence at Shepherd’s Door) to access vulnerability while staying grounded in creativity.
Participants connected deeply to the symbolism of the flower bloom, with the blossom representing their visible selves and the roots unearthing both pain and potential. The layered terrarium served as a tactile metaphor for healing—the layers (rock, charcoal, moss, soil) representing protection, filtration, grounding, and growth, and gave the workshop a sensory component participants appreciated. One of them said, “I liked messing with the layers—rocks, moss, dirt. It felt like putting myself back together.”
Many women chose empowering words or phrases for their plant markers (e.g., “Resilient,” “Keep Growing,” “Hope”), demonstrating self-recognition and intention. One of them said: “I chose the word Queen because today, I showed up for myself. That plant is my reminder—I have power and presence, even when life gets messy.”
Another woman named her plant Victory—symbolizing her triumph over past trauma. She said about her experience: “I put my hands in the soil and felt calm for once. That little plant made me feel like I started something good—for me, not anyone else.”
The activity sparked emotional storytelling and encouraged the release of previously buried thoughts and generational wounds in a safe and nonverbal way. Creating something alive (a succulent terrarium) gave participants a take-home reminder of their growth and the ongoing nature of their healing.
