Telling Is Healing

A compelling 35-minute filmed conversation for survivors, their family, friends, colleagues, communities, and organizations serving survivors.

Praise for Telling is Healing

“Telling Is Healing, is a powerful documentary that we included in our Ending Violence Without Violence Virtual series of web-based workshops. Having witnessed Donna’s play, and having read her book, I am thrilled that this documentary is now available. It is an accessible and beautiful tapestry of Donna’s earlier healing work. Offering poignant footage from the play, the film offers space for reflection, commentary and powerful validation of the complex challenges that accompany the healing process. Telling Is Healing is an amazing resource that offers an opening for those of us seeking to end our isolation as survivors; while inspiring helpers to pace their work at the speed of survivor’s trust.”

- Chrys Ballerano, Senior Director of Collaboration and Training at the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Survivor, Musician, Writer, Singer, Social Justice Activist

“Donna Jenson’s Telling is Healing is a groundbreaking film. While warm and inviting, it breaks a taboo so thick, dark, and murky: The taboo of talking about incest in “mixed company” between a survivor and a non-survivor. Historically, such conversations usually shut down before they even begin. The conversation is often too difficult and painful to have, whether it’s because the survivor is met with denial, minimization, and anger or because the non-survivor is too emotionally overwhelmed, frightened, or worried about saying the wrong thing. Jenson’s brave and beautiful film changes all of that. By modeling how this conversation can happen in a way that is liberating, connecting, and healing, she and her friend and colleague, Suzanne Beck, open the door for other survivors and non-survivors to walk through together into their own healing. I felt the molecules of my brain and soul realign while watching this film. It will surely have a profound effect on all who see it.”

- Anna Holtzman, Mental Health Counselor and incest survivor

“Telling is Healing should be seen by not only survivors but those who care about them. It should also be seen by those who do not understand the impact that sexual assault has on a person. I know that survivors will find validation for all that they have experienced as they watch this powerful documentary.”

- Kathy Peluso, Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator, Family Services Inc., Poughkeepsie, NY

Donna Jenson, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and activist, opens Telling is Healing by telling her own story. “We were going on a family picnic, to a park that has a river with rapids. Dad brought an inner tube he bought the day before. Mom says we’re going to have lots of fun.”

Since 1998 Donna has been speaking up and out as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Her original intention was to shed a light and shatter the silence that keeps this issue in the shadows of our culture. Somewhere along her journey of sharing her own experience with others, she came to understand the healing that telling can bring – personally, within relationships, and in public forums. 

This program was meant, first and foremost, for survivors of sexual abuse and assault. In addition, friends and loved ones of survivors, as well as clinicians and advocates, have found it helpful and illuminating. It has offered a dynamic program enhancement for provider organizations and conferences. Experiencing this 35-minute film is best done with a follow-up dialogue between the principles and viewers.

Her story continues through excerpts from Donna’s one-woman play, What She Knows, and her book, Healing My Life, bringing the audience along with her on a journey from victim to survivor to activist, filmed at a reading at Smith College, Northampton MA

 “Each time I tell, I heal a little bit more. Telling can be a painful part of healing, but not telling leaves you suffering forever.” - D. Jenson

Watch Donna Jenson's "Not Your Fault" here

Watch Donna Jenson's "Family of Choice" here

Participant Responses to Telling is Healing

“Since the film I’ve shared even more with my ally.”

“Very informative, emotional, and uplifting. I’m inspired to continue healing and sharing my story not only through writing but also through dialogue with both survivors and non-survivors.”

“This cracked a new door open. I feel more acceptance and integration between the two worlds. I felt shame lifting and more emotional safety created in our relationship.”

“My ally benefited from it in ways I hadn't predicted. I feel like the survivor part of me is not a burden but rather a healing opportunity for us both!”

“We've been having more conversations, it brought us closer.”

“The event strengthened our relationship through deeper understanding and also the sense that our responses and struggles are 'natural' and we (both survivors and allies!!) are not alone!!”

“I came away with the sense of - oh wow, I'm not alone...there is more than just me doing this with my wife. I didn't know there was such a thing as an ally-- it makes sense though. I was affirmed that I'm doing a lot of what is helpful. Learned a bit of how to be more helpful to my wife.”

 It’s not just the telling that the audience witnesses, it’s also who’s listening. Between excerpts, Donna talks with her friend and colleague, Suzanne Beck, a non-survivor. The power of their dialogue is palpable – sharing the discoveries they had in this friendship between one survivor and one ally as they navigated the delicate path of disclosure to understanding and support.

“There is a lot of guilt that a non-survivor feels – it’s a guilt of not having suffered enough; of not sharing the survivors suffering. It took me a while to realize that Donna’s book is a healing process for non-survivors, too. It offers hope.” – S. Beck

To learn more or to book a viewing contact: donnajenson8@gmail.com