OWN YOUR STORY
WHEN WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO WALK INTO OUR STORY AND OWN IT, WE GET TO WRITE THE ENDING.
Brené Brown
OWN YOUR STORY
WHEN WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO WALK INTO OUR STORY AND OWN IT, WE GET TO WRITE THE ENDING.
Brené Brown
Hello, my name is Charleen
I completed my Pastoral Narrative Therapy certificate through Coram Deo in 2019, and continuing my studies through Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy. This enriched my life in many ways and made me aware of how important it is to listen, really listen, to the stories people tell.
The road that led me to narrative therapy is part of my story, a story of a married, working, early middle-aged mom with two beautiful children, just living through everyday life. Then I met a younger man, was tempted by attention and adventure, and suddenly, my life was out of control. Within a few months I was experiencing financial, physical and emotional abuse. The world of addiction became a reality through this individual, and the devastating cost that comes with it. The people that loved me were hurt, bewildered, and lost as to what was happening, and so was I. Everything culminated in spending an Easter weekend in jail, being sent to and leaving rehab, returning to a life of abuse and loss.
I missed my children and was dead-tired of walking on eggs, of being wary and watchful all the time, of living an aimless, lonely life. Deep inside me, I knew that this was not what I wanted, that this was not my life story.
I was fortunate that I had a safe place to retreat to, and slowly started to find my own life path again. “Walking” back to life, facing all the consequences, dealing with the guilt, embarrassment, and pain, were hard-won and easier said than done.
I joined group therapy with Simcha Recovery and was introduced to Narrative therapy during this time. This made me realise that every person is the expert on their own life. Creating a safe space, giving time and attention, with no judgement, resulted in my life to be changed. It resulted in hope lived in a seemingly hopeless situation. It gave a voice to me as a person and not to the problem! Practicing as a Narrative Therapist enables me to give back from my own experience and live the purpose of my own story.
Get in touch.
Please feel free to contact me via email, phone call or WhatsApp to arrange an appointment. You can also complete the contact form on this site.
