Supporting you to rewrite your story!

"Everybody has a story to tell!"

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people identify their values, goals, skills, strengths, and knowledge, so that, they can effectively confront whatever difficulties that they are required to face in life. The therapist seeks to support the person co-author a new narrative regarding themselves by investigating the history of these qualities. Narrative therapy is considered a social justice approach to therapeutic conversations, by seeking to challenge dominant discourses that shape people's lives in what can be considered negative ways. Narrative Therapy is an approach that creates an open forum for a client to tell their story in their own words. It gives them a 'voice' that may not have been heard. My personal belief is that we have always been storytellers. We have all been enlightened by stories in various locations and times in our lives and been enthralled by these stories as they unfold. Whether around the family table with various relatives or a campfire, whether it was the giant fish that got away, the ghost stories or the monsters in the dark, or even the great adventures of past relatives traveling from overseas. They are unique as each individual is, the groups they associate with, and moments in time - a time in each person's life. We are fascinated by the stories of ancestors, our family history (some love the thought of a convict in their family, others would not) making sense of the family history, the cultural meaning, the handing down of family stories, even the interpretation of their history, can be celebrated and mourned in some cases. But the untold stories are the ones that have the greatest impact and begin a ripple effect that triggers unfamiliar emotions and responses without an understanding of what has caused the actual response. It is unfamiliar territory, confusing, and uncertain. In our lives, we do experience challenging situations and upheavals that are overwhelming. These events take us beyond what is our 'normal' capacity for coping. When faced with a major crisis situation, there is a tendency to want to discuss the experience, dilemma, or event with a trusted person At times, we may have mixed feelings or conflict regarding who we consider is the right person to disclose to, how much detail to divulge and what should be open to discussion. It really can be an overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, a person may assume that disclosing their difficulties may be seen as weak or a shared burden. Or the past experience may cause them to assume that situation and/or its impact may be minimized by those who are not directly involved. Unsolicited advice can be offered, which may not necessarily be beneficial or appropriate due to the timing or circumstances. This can also potentially cause friction, frustration, and misinterpretation of the events This can cause the person to 'shut down' or may inadvertently cause damage to the relationship(s).
"Counselling aims to support each individual in the telling of their story at a pace that is comfortable for the client to share. With no pressure, with trust that will assist the counsellor to form an understanding and a context to support the client". Counsellors are not here to cause further pain. For many clients the greatest gift is the sense of trust that develops between the client/counsellor, to enable them to feel safe, not judged, and the positive experience of being treated with absolute positive regard. Counselling should not be a one size fits all approach. Depending upon the presenting difficulties narrative therapy is appropriate to us combined with various other therapies and strategies as required. Observing the positive growth, new insights, and new learning that occurs regarding themselves, and relationships with others is significant. Most importantly, you are no longer alone in your difficulties. You may have been attempting to minimize the impact that your life experiences have had upon you. Through your sessions, you will develop new skills, insights, understanding, strategies, and techniques to support you with your transformation into the new you! The future is up for grabs! Your goals, your values - a new chapter begins.