I’ve always found storytelling to be powerful, both as the witness and as the teller. (While therapists hold differing ideas of whether the telling and retelling of a story is inherently therapeutic. I find the complexity and similarities undeniably fascinating). I am deeply honoured that I get to sit in the witness seat for so many people’s lives.
Books have always been my sanctuary—places I turn to for knowledge, advice, connection, comfort, and sometimes simple escape. I’ve always been drawn to memoirs and personal narratives told in a person's own words. Reading about another’s life often provided the "me too" I longed for, while opening up compassion for experiences I had yet to understand.
When I first heard of narrative therapy, I was I intrigued. And felt a sense of recognition. Telling our stories. Isn’t this what therapy is about? Holding peoples stories is something I take very seriously and recognize what a privilege this is.
Understanding Narrative Thinking
Multiple Realities: We are all living multiple realities all at one time.
Vast Internal Worlds: We each hold thousands of stories about ourselves - each part of ourself has a story, each intersect of our identity, each relationship we have, everyday holds multiple stories.
Life Trajectory: The stories we focus on directly influence the way we think and the trajectory of lives.
Inherited Narratives: Some of our stories were never ours to begin with, they have been passed down by family, culture and society.
Shifting Meanings: What we highlight in a story changes over time. Revisiting or re-telling a story can either solidify a limited perspective or open up an entirely new insight.
Dialectics: Seemingly opposite stories can both be true
Stories hold so much power; have so much meaning and have been used for centuries to pass on teachings to future generations.
Using story in therapy can help with exploration, insight, can offer a different perspective or framework when dealing problems. You can expect when working with me to share your story.
If you are a therapist (or just a human) looking to learn more about narrative therapy, the Dulwich Centre offers free online courses: you can learn more here
with love
Chantelle
