Narrative Therapy

I have studied the approach extensively and use it in daily practice to help re-narrate the client's story to deliver a strength's based approach.

Society, our families of origin, and negative relationships can create narratives that people can inadvertently retain as self-talk and otherwise truth. Narrative therapy helps to look at other ways people can write the stories of their lives -- those they tell themselves and share with others. There are fun insightful and empowering activities (not all written) to encourage people to see their strengths and positive experiences in life, so they can make decisions to lead the lives they desire.

I believe that people are the experts of their own lives, and they have the power to rewrite their story. I utilize Narrative Therapy to externalize problems (i.e. problems are outside of a person's identity) in order to reduce stigma and shame about emotional expression. Similarly to a systems approach, Narrative therapy considers how the dominant culture and family/local influences impact well-being.

I am a huge fan of letter writing. Sometimes it's writing a letter to someone you are having conflict with and never sending it. Or maybe burning it in the fireplace. Or it's a letter to your dad, who died 10 years ago. Or your younger self, letting her know that she did the best you could. Or maybe to your future self, letting her know that she is doing her best and that it's worth it to keep going. I think it can be so cathartic to get our thoughts and feelings out on paper.

In Narrative Therapy, I help clients reshape the stories they tell about their lives to better align with their values and goals. I focus on separating personal identity from problems, empowering clients to rewrite their narratives. This method is particularly effective for those looking to reclaim agency over their life stories, fostering growth and positive change.

Narrative therapy is a form of counseling that views people as separate from their problems. This allows clients to get some distance from the issue to see how it might actually be helping them, or protecting them, more than it is hurting them. With this new perspective, individuals feel more empowered to make changes in their thought patterns and behavior and “rewrite” their life story for a future that reflects who they are, what they are capable of, and what their purpose is.

I use narrative therapy help people to identify their values and the skills associated with them. It provides the knowledge of their ability to live these values so they can effectively confront current and future problems. Is a style of therapy that helps people become—and embrace being—an expert in their own lives. In narrative therapy, there is an emphasis on the stories we develop and carry with us through our lives.

The idea that we develop stories about our own lives has always resonated with me. I enjoy identifying our own internal narratives and challenge those which may not be congruent with our current self or journey. The idea that people are separate from their problems resonates with me as in our most trying times we can feel entangled with those which most challenge us. Narrative Therapy allows for the externalization of problems through creative experiences.

How we see ourselves and the world around us is contingent upon our experiences and narratives. Narrative Therapy is a good way to acknowledge why we are operating in the world as we do and it offers opportunities to make shifts, if so desired, by altering our narratives.

I have training and experience using narrative therapy. I particularly use externalizing techniques and work on finding unique outcomes.

I avoid thinking or speaking of those I consult with or their loved ones as the problem. Rather, the Problem is the Problem. I want to know you apart from your problems, so that I can stand with you against the problems that attempt to influence you. To highlight this separation I use a technique called "externalizing." For example, if you say, “I am depressed”, I might ask, “How did you notice Depression first influencing your life?”

Narrative therapy is the center from which all my work flows. I help people identify their own values, strengths and skills. This changes the shame-based narratives that keep us stuck, and leads to new ways of thinking about and solving problems.

I have always been a fan of storytelling, whether it be through word of mouth, or through different forms of entertainment like tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), movies, video games, etc. Although everyone may not be a writer in their spare time, I do believe that everyone has a story to tell. I utilized narrative therapy in a collaborative group setting where we worked on self-esteem and learning new social skills.

I believe that you are the expert when it comes to your lived experience. I see my role as a co-author, helping you develop an alternate—yet perhaps truer—personal history so that you may move forward with courage and confidence.

Narrative therapy is a style of therapy that helps people become—and embrace being—experts in their own lives. In narrative therapy, there is an emphasis on the stories that you develop and carry with you through your life.

You are the master of your own story and how you perceive the world around you. Narrative Therapy is all about reshaping and recontextualizing how you view the story of your life. Together we will go on a journey through your life to deconstruct the negative views you have about yourself. It’s my hope that we will be able to empower you by rebuilding how you see your life.

I embrace each of the stories we choose to lead. Sometimes, our stories can shift from ones that are enjoyable to ones of survival. I am here to help you get your life back on track and slay the monsters in your way.

Narrative and Collaborative dialogue therapy involves exploring and reshaping personal stories through interactive conversations, empowering individuals to redefine their experiences and create positive change.