I believe that we are all immersed in a relational environment which is known to us through its effect on us. This means we are shaped by relationships and our cultural environment.
Our relational environment can be glimpsed, sensed and then lost unless we explore it in context. As we work together, we will try to understand what we notice, and we will try to describe it. This helps us make meaning that we can explore to find out how experiences, thoughts, sensations and relationships matter to us. For instance, we might think about the part we and other’s play in our lives; we might look at the impact of our behaviour and understanding on our thoughts, feelings and actions. Shining a light on our stories (or narrative path), including those that are culturally preferred or supported, can be empowering and promote change.
Research tells us that we will hold some memories more firmly than others. Our memories will consist of ideas, events, experiences and sensations which we filter through what we believe to be true. We store in our minds our stories (or narratives) and these are navigation aids that help us to ‘make sense’ of what is happening in our lives. We use these to decide what we want for our futures. These reference points help us attend to certain events, experiences and sensations. Consequently, ideas, events, experiences and sensations that don’t ‘fit’ with our stories and preferences fade into the background or disappear. Work together, we will aim to find new life enhancing directions by exposing the experiences, ideas and resources that have been discounted, ‘forgotten’ or placed in the background and use them to make change.
To arrange a free consultation to decide if therapy with me might be helpful, click on the contact me page.
Alexis Quinn 