We see the world through the stories we tell
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
