What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is an approach that focuses on the stories of our lives. Developed by Australian Michael White and New Zealander David Epston, narrative therapy allows us to separate our own identities from our problems.
After reading about the impact of narrative therapy on children who are experiencing encopresis, and then experiencing myself the impact of narrative letters on my own healing, I pursued training with the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. This approach advanced my understanding of processing grief and loss, healing through difficulties, and helping clients move forward towards their goals.
In my narrative practice, I engage other therapeutic approaches relevant to each client. I have found that Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are complementary to Narrative Therapy.
How will this impact each of your sessions at Kima Connections Counselling?
Well, have you ever left a counselling session (or really great conversation) and thought afterwards, "That was really great, but I can't remember now everything we talked about." I certainly have! Narrative letters and visuals have been the answer to that here at Kima.
I take notes during our session and then, after our time together, reflect upon the themes and discoveries in your story. I follow up our session by sending you a narrative letter (looking very similar to this) that includes a recap of our session and asks questions for you to process before we meet again. I may include visual images or video links, allowing your brain to read, see, and hear whatever we might be working on at the time. Clients tell us they look forward to receiving their letter each week.
There is no obligation for you to write back or respond to my letters! In fact, we will do that together in our next session, starting with me reading the last letter to you. Again, in this way, we are never spending time asking "where did we leave off?" or "what were we talking about last session?" I know that your time is valuable, and I want each session to move you forward in your journey towards your goals. These letters have proven to be a powerful tool for us to use in session together.
Your friend on the journey,
~ Kim
