A bit about our approach to counseling
By Cora Miller
Together Talk collaborates with communities and businesses throughout Alberta. Our committed team, led by Don McGillivray, a seasoned narrative-focused counselor with over 25 years of experience, is devoted to providing cost-free mental health support to individuals and families. Don’s perspectives and beliefs align with the organizational mission of Together Talk, emphasizing the narrative approach to therapy that guides our work. Together Talk operates with the foundational belief that people are the experts of their lives and that every person harnesses the strengths they need to live a more balanced, more empowered life.
Narrative therapy was developed by Michael White and David Epston, and was intended to emphasize the impact of language and storytelling in shaping a person’s perception of self and the world. It is a collaborative approach to counseling that views individuals as the authors of their own life stories. This means when we become focused on our problems, we may begin to feel as though we are one with our problems. Michael White so famously stated, “The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem.” It is the role of the therapist to help ask questions, seek to understand stories, and to build a trusting connection where problems are externalized and deconstructed. Often the problems, which were the perceived villains of the story, lose some of their power. The problem is redefined.
The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem
Michael White
Narrative therapy is inclusive of the influences which create our experiences including culture, gender, sexuality, race, age, socioeconomic status, and social location. Instead of approaching treatments through models which assess symptoms, or prescribe labels and diagnoses, narrative therapy explores the unique narratives people construct, helping them identify and reframe problematic stories. This therapy encourages clients to deconstruct and reconstruct the stories of their lives. In rewriting and Re-Membering, people may gain more personal agency, recognize hidden strengths, and find their preferred narratives. A re-authored story can foster growth and promote self-directed positive change.
Our team at Together Talk is committed to actively listening, co-creating narratives that resonate with your experiences, and providing unwavering support. We understand that life is a tapestry of stories, and we are here to sit with you and your loved ones as you thread the rich and transformative narratives that contribute to the intricate tapestry that is your life journey.
So if you’re feeling curious about how counseling can support you, we invite you to come walk in, or log on.