Calgary Narrative Therapy
725 20 Ave N.W. T2M 1E2 Calgary, AB, Canada

Why Narrative Therapy? As a counsellor, I am drawn to Narrative Therapy out of an awareness that many traditional ways of "helping" can be experienced as pathologizing, condescending, and in some cases, even re-traumatizing. Narrative approaches aim to honour the seriousness of problems affecting people's lives, while prioritizing the strengths, commitments, and hopes that can help people move in their preferred directions. Narrative practices acknowledge that stories and pr...oblems don't exist in a vacuum; they are considered within the political, social, and cultural contexts in which they occur. It is my hope that through deeper listening, the crafting of good questions, and approaching people's stories through the lens of curiosity, that better, more respectful conversations can emerge. Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

Narrative Therapy: Narrative ideas recognize that we make meaning of our lives and identities through narratives, or stories, that unfold over time. With this comes the opportunity to re-author or broaden our identities and revise the relationships we have with problems. Narrative practices acknowledge that problems do not occur in a vacuum; they are often a reflection of the social, political, and cultural contexts in which we live.... It is my aim to explore with clients the wisdom they already have, ideas they have not yet considered, and richer understandings of the meaning they and others make of certain experiences. At Calgary Narrative Therapy, I work from the perspective that: *Clients are the experts in their own lives *Problems are separate from people *Issues of power and privilege with regard to gender, race, class, ability, & sexual orientation often influence problems *People come with many skills, beliefs, and commitments that will help them reduce the influence of problems. Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

Rescuing Words: As a Narrative therapist, I am attracted to the concept of "rescuing the said from the saying of it" (David Newman, 2008). This means making an effort to capture and document any ideas, thoughts, or moments that clients express they have found significant, through written letters that I send to them following our sessions. These letters are my only case notes, as I believe any notes documenting sessions should be for clients, not about them. Clients have indic...ated that this practice allows them to know they have been heard (or gives them the chance to correct my understanding if they have not!), and is helpful in teasing out problems so that they can be dealt with in greater clarity. Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

Fees: A standard therapy session costs $125 and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. For those without insurance coverage or the financial means to access services, cost can be reassessed on an individual, as-needed basis.... Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

About Me: *Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Alberta College of Social Workers *Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Calgary, clinical specialization *Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Victoria... *Diploma of Social Work from Mount Royal College *Internship at the Calgary Family Therapy Centre *Intensive Training through the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy *Shared parenting of two boys, aged 9 and 6, with my partner of 15 years Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

FAQ's How do I know if Narrative Therapy is a good fit for me? Unlike some other styles, Narrative Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather than a period of talking and then receiving advise, we would engage in an interactive conversation that reflects your unique circumstances, based on the assumption that you are the expert in your own life.... How do I book an appointment? Contact me anytime by phone (403-926-9481) or email ([email protected]), or use the form under the "Contact" tab What are your fees? My low overhead and desire for accessibility enables me to charge at the low end of the scale, at $125 per session. If you are without financial means or insurance, the fee can be re-assessed on an as-needed basis. I accept cash, e-transfer, cheque, or credit cards. Does insurance cover your therapy? Yes, as a Registered Social Worker with an MSW, most insurance providers cover our therapy sessions. If you are unsure, please contact your provider. Where are you located? I am located in the community of Bridgeland in central Calgary, at 990 Centre Ave NE. There is ample low-cost street parking available. Web: http://www.calgarynarrativetherapy.com/home.html Telephone: 403-926-9481 Location: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB E-mail: [email protected]

Location and Office Hours: 725 20 Ave N.W. Calgary, AB T2M 1E2... 403-926-9481 Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 2:30 pm