Mimesis: Mythic Storytelling and Play

Mimesis is a unique group process derived from depth psychology and myth studies that allows for exploration of story in a supportive environment. We invite participants to enter the text in stages through storytelling, meditation, enactment, and discussion. Each step reveals personal resonances as well as universal or archetypal elements. The use of myth and…

Workshop Description

Mimesis is a unique group process derived from depth psychology and myth studies that allows for exploration of story in a supportive environment. We invite participants to enter the text in stages through storytelling, meditation, enactment, and discussion. Each step reveals personal resonances as well as universal or archetypal elements.

The use of myth and story for healing and transformation — a very old practice — has found renewed attention and usefulness in recent years. Mimesis is an embodied method of exploring myth and story that was created by Samuel and Evelyn Laeuchli, a scholar of religion and a clinical psychologist. Their approach demonstrates that enacting a text is very different from analyzing it, deconstructing it, or submitting it to historical or textual criticism. By participating in or observing the enactment of myth our emotions are engaged as well as our intellect, and consciousness of our defenses, our strengths, and our characteristic relationship patterns becomes clear.

The Mimesis method uses a combination of storytelling, meditation, role play, and discussion to achieve this. One principle that Mimesis leaders accept is that world mythology, including the Bible; Greek, Sumerian and Egyptian myths; Fairy Tales; Native American and African oral traditions; and so on, provide us with a vast literature which reveals, sometimes boldly and sometimes cryptically, basic truths about the human condition. Myths are universal. They portray realities of pain and loss, suffering and endurance that mirror our lives. Joy and beauty are present alongside the experience of darkness and pain. The stories connect us to antiquity and they are alive in us right now.

In a Mimesis play, after introductions are made one of the leaders will tell the story. By using stories with universal themes, Mimesis explores personal and social issues that are recognizable by all, and provides connections across cultures and time. For this weeklong workshop, we are using a four-thousand-year-old Sumerian story, Inanna; we have found the issues it raises are as relevant as when they were written on clay tablets.

Following the storytelling, participants are led in a guided meditation focused on an important theme of the story, after which the group is invited to share what came up during the meditation. This is followed by role play of several scenes from the story. Participation is always voluntary and group members can take any role they feel drawn to. Here we are not interested in performance but rather what the story holds for individuals and the group. Finally, there is an extended discussion to process what has taken place and the meaning it holds for each person. We have found that this process has the potential to increase understanding, acceptance, and shared community.

Leader Experience

The DiMinos have led workshops in this group process for more than thirty-five years. Liza is a writer, editor and storyteller. John, a licensed clinical psychologist, is the former director of counseling services at Temple University. He has used Mimesis in the training of professionals and graduate students in psychology and social work. He is also the author of the book Shadow Work and Sacred Space. John and Liza are co-directors of the Mimesis Center in the United States. They have given workshops for diverse groups including a multigenerational conference. They are currently working on a book for those interested in learning to facilitate the Mimesis process.