NarrativeTherapy

Narrative therapists like myself assume that knowledge is socially constructed and that there is a myriad of valid ways to understand ourselves and the world we live in. We don't adopt an authoritative stance with people who consult us - instead, we adopt a curious, exploratory posture, based on a hope to puzzle together different meanings and experiences. My aim is to help you generate more useful and empowering life stories, creating a separation from totalizing descriptions and inviting you to explore empowering alternatives from subjugated stories in your life. I hope to facilitate a safe environment where alternative perspectives and stories can be brought to light and entertained. I am curious about exceptions to problematic behaviour, and I take care to discover what skills and special knowledge has been sustaining you in the past. 

From a narrative perspective, nobody (including the therapist) is omniscient - therefore, a complete panoramic view of reality and the problem cannot be formed. The focus is to try and grasp your meanings and understandings, creating a safe environment. 

We could be using the Tree of Life exercise, a genogram,  externalising problems, we could be laughing or crying, remembering significant people in our lives and honoring their contribution, tracing certain skills with ancestors, celebrating, and having  ceremonies, engaging with support networks and communities of care. Whatever approach and technique we would use, the focus is to help you express and enlarge your stories and voice about yourself and others.