Shifting Narratives Counselling

I would like to share why I chose the name Shifting Narratives for my counselling practice. When you think about a shift what comes to mind? A change in direction? A small shift? ... A big shift in perspective? Shifting from surviving to thriving is not a linear process. There are moments where you may feel like you are barely surviving and may be going back into old habits that can be self destructive. There also may be thriving moments, where you feel aligned with your values and feel more empowered. These narratives could be helping you or they may be keeping you stuck. In my practice it’s about being with my client and hearing what is happening and working towards shifting their narratives or relationships with their problems. It’s truly beautiful when you hear your client shift their language they use about themselves, shift their relationship to themselves or others and work towards their goals for therapy. Here is to shifting narratives in your life that no longer serve you!

I want to share this because we are all experiencing loss right now in one way shape or form and I want to remind you to be kind to yourself right now. What Causes Grief? ANY loss, change or traumatic experience can cause significant grief.... PRIMARY LOSS: Is the main loss. The death of a family member or friend Health issues Divorce or separation Job loss SECONDARY LOSS: Losses that develop as a result of the primary loss. Loss of finances Moving SYMBOLIC LOSS: Is a type of secondary loss that you cannot see, touch or feel. Loss of role you had Loss of status

This is something I have to remind myself (maybe you feel the same way). I AM IN CONTROL OF MY THOUGHTS According to the National Science Foundation, an average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are repetitive thoughts.... The internal voice that creeps in and says I am not good enough and realizing you have the power to take control of that internal monologue can be empowering. You don’t have to listen to your inner mean critic. How to tell your inner mean critic to get out of the drivers seat: 1- Ask it why are you being mean? It may be rooted in fear. 2- Imagine yourself as a child and ask yourself if you would talk to your younger self this way? 3- Look at the facts and even write them out. Look for what has been blown out of proportion or for something that you may have missed that creates a unique outcome to what the inner mean critic is telling you. Here is to shifting our narratives and taking control of our story and the way we choose to share it.

I say this to my clients on our first sessions and I truly mean it. Creating a safe space to feel that all of you if welcomed and that you don’t have to hide what is really going on for you is where the connections happen. In looking at the deeper connection to yourself by sharing something that you may have not shared before and also feeling what you need to feel in the moment which can be extremely hard and uncomfortable is where I want you to know that all of you is welcome.