Fairytales come from a time in human history when storytelling was an essential and spiritual occupation. In the fairytale genre, grisly truths and important life clues arrive in symbolic form, allowing us to mull on tough material in a way that doesn’t topple us over.

This series is for all women (and women-identifying) who want to unpack the stories that have been told to us, the stories that we’ve believed and the stories that we wish to write for ourselves moving forward.

Over three classes, three fairytale-orientated, narrative processes are paired with grounding, hands-on craft activities to promote reflection and connection, as we follow a breadcrumb trail back to parts of ourselves that got lost along the way.

Please note this ticket is for the 3 sessions. You can book separate sessions as well.

31st July 6:30-8:30pm The Fairytale Framework + Textured Painting

Our starting point for getting curious about the psychological function of fairytales and exploring the language of symbolism. This class involves exploration of the fairytale ‘blue-print’, followed by all things fantastical and symbolic, before arriving at a deeper meaning that contributes something of importance to us in the here and now. This is our introduction to stories as a tool for sense-making within a world that doesn’t always make sense.

14th August 6:30 - 8:30pm Rediscovering the many faces of the powerful feminine + Clay sculpting

Sleeping beauty, Snow White, Cinderella. What we’ve been told is passivity is actually one part of a much broader and sophisticated coping response – fight/flight/freeze/faint/fawn. In this class we map the journeys of the fairytale protagonists from crisis-survival through to resolution-recovery. If we are listening carefully, we may find clues about what we need in order to restore vibrant functioning within our own worlds. Additionally we explore lesser known stories featuring active, empowered, heroine forces – these are the stories that didn’t make it to the printing press.

28th August 6:30-8:30pm Radical Fairytale re-imagining + Macrame Woman Planter

In this class we take the fairytales we know and love, deconstruct them piece by piece before sewing them back together in ways that are meaningful to us and reflective of who we are. This class is less about ‘reflecting on what the story means’ and more about getting in there and re-writing it ourselves. Fairytales offer a foundation for symbolism and meaning-making and that’s just the start. We need stories that move beyond the stripped back, cis hetero characters and reflect the tapestry of human existence in 2024.

Additional Information

The workshops interconnect as the content builds from one to the next. However, each workshop also offers stand-alone value and can be taken individually if that is the preference.
The workshops are geared towards women who love story as a medium and are interested to explore how fairy-tale symbolism might apply to life ‘on the ground’. This is an adult learning space and is not intended to be therapy or art therapy.
Connection and reflection are the two aims of the series. Regarding ‘connection’, you can expect the following: friendly faces, chatting and being together, absorbing information about symbolism and fairytales, drinking tea and doing craft with like-minded women.
This is a “self-work”, classroom style set up and not a deep sharing space or a women’s circle. You will not be required or encouraged to share information that is deeply personal to you.

Who will be teaching?

Lisa Ritchie (she/her) is a Counselling Psychologist and University Lecturer with a passion for myth and story. Alongside her teaching and counselling work, she delivers workshops on the psychological impact of fairy tales, exploring their symbolism and relevance through a narrative and Jungian lens.

Lisa works with individuals seeking meaningful change and increased levels of thriving in her private practice based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Outside of work, she is often found with her head in a book or lost on a hiking track somewhere on the outskirts of Melbourne. You can follow her on Instagram at @the_story_psych

Maria Yebra (she/her) is the general manager of Laneway Learning, a serial crafter and a lifelong learner. She enjoys creating experiences and events to grow and flourish personally and as a cohesive community.

She loves to teach and learn new creative practices as well as tending to her 300 plants, 3 cats and 4 chickens. You can follow her on Instagram at @malayebra.

This event is possible thanks to a connected neighborhoods grant from City of Melbourne and will happen at City Art, managed by Creative Spaces.

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More about accessibility

Any other questions or ways we can assist with accessibility? Just shoot Maddy (she/her) an email at melbourne@lanewaylearning.com.

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