A Transformational Journey
Dr Toula’s journey to Science, Spirit and Story and the creation of Story Image Therapy Shadow Work
Lived Experience
My life has been shaped by my experience of significant trauma as a teenager, then later working as part of high school leadership teams, a parent of three teens, and in private practice as a psychologist.
[READ MORE]
For many years, I carried enormous responsibility while struggling with unresolved issues from my own youth.
To cope, I unconsciously drew upon three resources: Science, Spirit and Storytelling.
Science provided structure and understanding. Spirit offered me a sense of connection, and Storytelling created a safe way to explore difficult emotions.
Today, as a psychologist with personal experience of healing, I recognise that many people (like me) need approaches beyond talk and logic alone.
Story Image Therapy (SIT®) grew from this insight.
From the Dark Room
In Story Image Therapy (SIT®), the Dark Room represents the times in life when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, depressed or in conflict.
It is not a physical place, but a symbolic space that reflects our unhealthy coping patterns, levels of caring, addictive behaviours etc.
In the Dark Room, emotions take over.
[READ MORE]
Thinking becomes reactive, our body feels tense, tired or unsettled. Old wounds resurface and we fall into familiar unhealthy patterns.
We might cling to addictive thoughts, withdraw, people-please, become controlling, or repeat painful relationship dynamics.
Self-sabotage and trauma bonds might also unconsciously repeat themselves.
The Dark Room is not a place of failure. It’s an inner knowing that something needs greater awareness.
When we move from the Dark Room into the Dream Room by using our connections, we don’t just survive the storm—we can begin to truly understand it.
To the Dream Room
In Story Image Therapy, healing begins with a connection to our true Self, and the knowledge of our ancestors.
This ancestral, spiritual, creative ‘space’ is where we use our active imagination for deep insight and understanding.
This is what I call our inner Dream Room.
[READ MORE]
Connecting to Self in our Dream Room means turning inward. Here, we become aware of our thoughts, emotions, body sensations and unconscious patterns.
Connecting to Spirit gives us meaning and purpose beyond daily stress. It strengthens hope, values, resilience.
Connecting to Nature calms the nervous system and grounds us in the body. It reminds us that change and renewal are natural parts of life.
When these come together (through creative visualisation, storytelling and imagery), all aspects are aligned.
Achievements & Contributions
Dr Toula Gordillo now dedicates herself to raising awareness of personal transformation, shadow work healing, leadership and mental health. She regularly contributes to groundbreaking work in psychology, education and the arts globally.
SIT Creator
Originator of internationally recognised Story Image Therapy (SIT®) and SIT Shadow Work™.
Published Books
Author of numerous books, audiobook, book chapters and magazine articles on SIT.
Podcast Presenter
Regularly interviewed and digital presentations on shadow work, storytelling and mental health.
Conference Presenter
Featured speaker at events on personal transformation, leadership and spirituality.
Academic Contributor
Regular contributor to academic and non-academic publications or narrative works.
Experienced Professional
Author, educator, researcher and clinical psychologist with decades of experience.