Relational narrative therapy is a therapeutic orientation that asks us to 1) consider people as separate from the problems present in their lives, 2) view people as experts in their own lives, and 3) remember that people have many skills, abilities, and values that can and do assist them in reducing the influence of the problem. It's relational in two big senses: in the quality of the relationship between client and therapist, and in the ongoing invitation to connect with the already-important people, places, and presences in our lives in ways that honor those influences and connections.

We are each born into a context of existing and changing relationships; we grow up and live our lives as part of that context, taking part in the changing. This context informs everything: our needs and preferences, our preoccupations, the decisions we make, the actions we take. We become ourselves in these relationships, over and over again. Relational therapy is a creative and intentional process. We create a kind of awareness of our surroundings, who else is there, how we are connected, and how we might alter or grow those connections in meaningful ways.

For further information on narrative therapy ideas and practices:

https://dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy/

Therapeutic poetics emerges from my relational narrative therapy practices of documentation, letter writing, and "rescued speech" poems. These practices of weaving together writing and therapy are an important way I help people connect with what is most meaningful in their lives and honor the work we do together in conversation and correspondence. They are creative and powerful practices that I've found to have a significant positive impact on the therapy process of the people I work with.