Karen Mittet has a Masters in Narrative Therapy and Community Work and is a Counsellor in Victoria BC
As a narrative therapist, I am naturally curious about the stories of people’s lives.
Thank you for being here and showing an interest in Narrative Therapy. It is quite possible that you are wondering, "What exactly is Narrative Therapy?" Narrative Therapy is a respectful, non-judgmental, non-medicalized approach to counselling. It is dedicated to rich questions and generous listening. Narrative therapy counselling explores the many skills, values, beliefs, abilities and commitments people have and investigates the dominant discourses a person may find themselves up against in their lives.
As stories unfold, new meanings begin to emerge.
Karen acknowledges the stories you share.
I recognize that there are many stories to a person’s life that powerfully shape their experiences. Neglected stories are those that have become overpowered by the problem. Narrative therapy counselling is curious about these undervalued stories, believing that they can unveil a person’s many skills and knowledges.
Karen knows the Power of Story and letter writing.
Karen take notes during the conversation and writes a therapeutic letter after each counselling session. Both the notes and letters rescue important words and phrases used during the dialogue. When stories are written down, they can provide further insight and understanding. Most importantly, the letter becomes a significant extension of counselling that lasts a lifetime. Some people place the letters in a special journal or binder as a keepsake of their therapy experience.
Karen honours the healing power of conversation.
I understand the importance of generous listening that is steeped in compassion and empathy. Rich therapeutic questioning is the cornerstone of narrative practice. It is important for me to create a counselling space that honours the stories being told to ensure that people feel validated and respected.
Victoria Counselling Services
Narrative therapy is a therapy of appreciation for the times people have stood up to the problems in their lives. Narrative therapy is a recognition of a person resisting the problem’s voice and refusing to go along with it.
Narrative therapy helps people to feel safe enough to tell their stories. People can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. It is important that they tell their story in their own way, on their own terms, using words that are relevant to their experience.
Modern, western culture, closely influenced by capitalist thought and productivity, has centered the conversation around death, grief and loss as an individual endeavour that requires a desired outcome - closure.
These letters highlight a person’s stories, skills, understandings, hopes, and preferred outcomes.They also ask questions that Karen may not have thought about during the conversation, creating space for what might be possible.
Communication
Sessions can be over Zoom, the telephone or in person in my home office.
Insurance
Insurance coverage is not available.
Intake Form
Fees
Sliding Scale $50 - $100 per hour.
Ask about student rates or hardship circumstances.
It is important to me that everyone has access to the help that they need for as long as they need it, so please contact me to discuss a sliding scale. Counselling should be available to all individuals seeking it and not only to those who can afford it.
