Individual Therapy
“It is only when we can coherently link past, present, and future that we find the essence of who we are beneath the adaptations and the struggle, and can free ourselves of ‘the story.’ I call this Coherent Narrative Therapy™, and it requires a kind of forensics that is both active and mindful.”
~ Gail Noppe–Brandon LCSW
HOW COHERENT NARRATIVE THERAPY™ BEGINS
The first question in this therapy is: Where are you stuck and what would you like to change?
Perhaps you are feeling alone, overwhelmed or stuck as you struggle with feeling anxious or depressed. You may be dealing with the loss of a relationship or feel lonely not being in one.
Are painful past or present experiences causing great distress? Are you binging, chronically dieting, and/or feeling body hatred? Are you feeling worried, stressed or not feeling good enough?
NURTURING ENVIRONMENT
I create a safe, caring, nonjudgmental environment, where your own goals for therapy are paramount. Following your lead, I listen deeply, compassionately, and with curiosity to help you to your own understanding of your past, and its influence on the present, as you build to your future.
HOW I WORK
Sometimes the story we tell ourselves about our life traps us in emotional suffering and prevents us from living that more fulfilling life we all wish for.
In Coherent Narrative Therapy™ with me, you can discover how your past plays out in the present. By telling your story, you come to understand the meaning you gave your early life experience and the internalized messages from family and society that may be influencing your present relationships and current “stuckness.”
Often, things that currently bring us pain are covering something else we’re not aware of. The story we tell ourselves about ourselves, which started way back, can be mistaken or contain distortions. Whatever you’re experiencing, the origins may be outside of awareness.
Together we will discover the ‘coherence’ of your being stuck – and the how and why you have become stuck – and what will make it safe to change.
You can then begin to experience the possibility of re-framing your personal story, creating a new narrative toward living a better life.
THE JOURNEY
We start with your telling me your personal story and how you came to be the person you see yourself as today. I will ask the right questions designed to help you see the areas of your life where you feel stuck or want change.
As new understandings emerge, old patterns and beliefs that no longer work can be revised and re-framed. Self-blame and negative self-image can give way to compassion and self -acceptance, as you come to see yourself in a different light and recognize possibilities for change.
With new ways of making sense of your life, you forge a path toward healing and transformation.
WRITING TO HEAL
Coherent Narrative therapists may encourage you to write briefly between sessions based on key words or phrases that emerge during our time together. Once back in session, we will look at this writing together. This expressive writing requires no prior experience or skill. While entirely voluntary, you may find this can help you tap into feelings, new awarenesses, and emotional memories, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself.
Backed by recent research, “writing to heal” can not only foster growth and change. In addition, it can help you narrate your life, change aspects of your perspective, and clarify your emotional dilemmas.
CHANGE
Therapy offers great hope for change in our lives. I will help you discover the how and why you are stuck and help make it safe for you to change. We will work together to discover a more fulfilling way of experiencing yourself, your relationships, and the world.
LEARN MORE:
In the following radio interview, you can learn more about Coherent Narrative Therapy™.
Every individual I work with is unique, and I value the journey we take together.
Take the next step and contact me for a complimentary phone consultation. You can reach me at (718) 514-3332 or email me at cherylpearlmanpsychotherapist@gmail.com.