A wonderful piece of self-expression through narrative practice.
[Sharing with permission and because of the client’s interest in creating awareness to support others]
Over a number of weeks, we worked through the client’s struggles, deconstructing the problem/s, and stepping away from each by seeing that ‘the problem is the problem’ and NOT ‘I or a part of who I am is the problem’. This is an essential part of the narrative approach.
From a yogic perspective too, this can be observed through ‘mana eva manushyanam’ or ‘a man is according to his mind’. The mind is the cause of bandha (bondage) or moksha (liberation). It is only when we transcend the mind that we are free from the illusions and struggles. The vedas say ‘aham sakshihi’ – ‘I am the eternal witness’. When we learn to witness the mind and where it is focused, for e.g. worry or sadness, we realise these are merely objects of the mind and thus create the detachment from the object.
Coming back to the narrative practice, we then used visualization and reflective practices and the expertise the client had on their own life, to get creative and tell the story as they currently see it and also looked at alternative stories – what else is possible? This helps to consider unique outcomes when people feel stuck in their lives or stories and other options seem impossible.
Developing alternate pathways or themes and mapping these out can help to understand what areas in our lives need attention and what is already working well to guide our energy and resources to where it is needed most.
This is some of narrative therapy in action, supported by the ancient wisdom of the sutras (an area of interest for some clients in particular). This technique can be particularly helpful for those struggling with Anxiety, Attachment issues, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Depression, Eating disorders, Grief, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you would like to learn more or chat about some options for yourself or a loved one, please call or email to organise a time to chat or book in a counselling appointment directly, below.
