Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is an integral part of the work I do with people. As humans, we "make meaning" of everything. Stories, told and re-told through language and behavior, consciously and unconsciously communicated intergenerationally in our families of origin, become the lens through which we view the world. The perpetuation of the family "story" is often the legacy of unhappiness, addictions, and other maladaptive behaviors and beliefs. Fortunately, the narrative is alive and we have the opportunity, often taking place through the therapeutic process, to weave new meaning into an old story, adding what is missing while also shifting beliefs that no longer serve us. I love this dynamic process and it is a journey of change unlike any other. Watching clients discover and embrace what has true heart and meaning for them can only be likened to birth. Through the darkness....into the light.

Sand Tray Therapy

Sand Tray Therapy is a form of psychotherapy used with adults and children alike. Expressing themselves through the manipulation of small objects, individuals have access to a visual representation of the psyche as demonstrated through the symbolic nature of the objects chosen. As with the dream, rather than interpret, we become curious about the objects themselves and their relationship to one another as placed in the tray. What individual hasn't played in the sand whether as a child or adult....sand tray therapy recalls a kinesthetic innocence (somatic memory) and loosens the locked-in linear patterns of thought we are so attached to. Bringing the unconscious images to awareness is the healing agent.

The Tools

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Albert Einstein, (attributed)
US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

How many times have I heard clients lament the limitations of personal tools needed for making change. People are complex systems living within even more complex systems and each individual has unique needs and characteristics that deserve to be met. I have in my tool box an eclectic array of tools that are artfully chosen and integrated to meet the specific needs of each individual. The goal....new tools, different results.

DreamTending

Diane Hillaire and I have been co-facilitating Dream Circles for 5 years. In that time over 100 women and men have joined us in the exploration of dreams.

Weekly and monthly groups have been meeting to share in the mystery and hope emerging through the dream psyche. Diane and I have our own dream....an Island of dreamers ~ and we are honored and grateful to be able to continue the creative development of dream exploration with so many willing and committed dreamers. Please email me if you would like more information about our ongoing groups. We would love to have you join us.

This past year I studied dreams with Stephen Aizenstat, Founder and President of Pacifica Graduate Institute. Below is a letter sent by Stephen to the dream tending community. To all of you who have participated in dream circles....

A LETTER FROM STEPHEN AIZENSTAT, Ph.D.,

December 2008

Dear Dream Tending Community,

This year the dreaming psyche had been particularly active both personally and collectively. With economic and political challenges in the global culture as well as the emergence of hope personified by the election of a new American President, the images in dreams have never been more alive and visible. As a community of Dream Tenders we come to this holiday season enriched and informed by the "intelligence" of the living images of the dream time. I have been blessed this year by the interactions I have had with so many of you in dream communities throughout the United States and Europe. Our time with each other opens the heart and brings a loving relationship to the many dream figures that make their visitation known. When we are in community together, even the most difficult of images is hosted with regard and respect. And in turn, we gain the opportunity to listen to that which is often so difficult to face alone.

In this holiday season, I hope that we will reach out and continue to be supportive of one another even when we are not physically in the same setting. Through the dream time, we know that others of our tribe are tending and listening deeply to the wisdom of the dream figures. May we feel the warmth and companionship of those we have shared dreams with over the years. I want to wish each of you a very full and deeply felt Winter Solstice and Holiday Season.

In warm regard,
Stephen