STEER YOUR STORY:
How to get in the driver's seat of your life
Would you like to Steer Your Story rather than it steering you?
Each of us is influenced by layers of messages from our families, culture, gender, media, society, systems, 'isms' that tell us what is ok or not ok. Many of us have also navigated challenging times including trauma. This all impacts how we see ourselves, others and the world around us. Which is normal!
But, what can we do if part of our story no longer serves us? Or isn’t the path we wish to choose. What if we long for a preferred story which reflects who we really are?
Steer Your Story is a ‘choose your own adventure’ with a guide. Through Narrative Therapy Practices, together we explore the various layers which impacted the way you perceive yourself; your story. We unpack and leave behind what is no longer needed. We travel the road toward your preferred narrative in which You are in the driver's seat so you can navigate your life with more ease.
There are also specific sessions for those working on the frontlines and as caregivers.
For those who enjoy even more hands-on therapeutic art practices: Putting the Pieces Together, Mending What's Broken through the metaphors and art of Kintsugi might be the perfect vehicle.
So, I invite you to open the door and...
TAKE CONTROL
​​Navigate the journey with less stress and more ease.
Based on a foundation of Narrative Therapy Practices, this program is designed so you can steer your story, rather than it steering you. So you can step into the driver’s seat rather than be a passenger in your life story. And you can navigate this sometimes bumpy road called life.
Sure, there are potholes and detours, but there are also maps and alternative routes.
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You might be wondering, ‘what is Narrative Therapy Practices?’
Narrative Therapy Practices (NTP) are a form of therapeutic conversations that explore and unpack multiple layers which influence how we see ourselves, others and the world. The idea is to acknowledge those layers and also assist you to more fully see your preferred narrative of your skills, abilities, and actions you took to navigate the problem. So you can see 'the problem is the problem, the person (you) are not the problem.’ Michael White said this, he was a wise man!
What does the route look like? The choice is yours.
You are welcome one on one or in small groups. Zoom or in person.
You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels right to you: reflection, journaling, verbal conversation or typing in the chat box.
Together through curious, compassionate questions based on Narrative Therapy Practices we will:​​
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Identify and unpack layers of external influences on the problem: messages learned from family, gender, culture, media, society, systems and 'isms.'
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Acknowledge + Understand impact on view of self, interactions with others and navigating challenges.
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Unpack skills you used to navigate and survive the problem or challenge.
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Learn Neuroplasticity + practices to shift from a problem story to a preferred narrative.
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Learn how to ask different questions and use new lenses to change perspective.
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Re-author ideas, for example, from 'forever broken' to the potential of mended through the metaphor and art of Kintsugi.
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NOTE: each session is 'steered' by you, imagine me as co-pilot.
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Who this program is for:
Anyone ready to get into the driver's seat of their life.
Anyone tired of a story that no longer fits.
Anyone open to stepping into new possibilities.
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Past participants include: survivors of: abuse, addiction, childhood trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, sexual assault, trafficking and war. As well as, couples and mother/daughters hoping for healing in relationship. And persons who work in trauma and activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, front line workers, leaders, LGTBQ, and World Bank staff.
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What this program is not:
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A cookie cutter experience: It's highly customized based on your needs.
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A lecture: this is deep discussion.
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TRANSFORM
​What are the results?
Together we will steer your story into one that propels you so you can:
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Identify, understand and shed the old stories so you see your many skills and be able to navigate challenges with more ease
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Effectively use the power of your new personal story to shift mindset from potential problems to find solutions
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Re-author from 'a problem saturated story' to a preferred narrative that better suits you.
"Thank you for helping me reclaim my narrative, Kristin.
As a woman and an abuse survivor, I found this profoundly empowering.
Months after completing your program, I am still experiencing the personal and professional aftershocks of the insights I made.
Through your unique story-telling approach, I gained insights that I failed to make during years of therapy.
You model compassionate self-examination, and this helped me look at my past mistakes as opportunities for growth, rather than as reasons to beat myself up."
Susanna P
WHY AM I SO PASSIONATE ABOUTÂ STEER YOUR STORY?
In 2021, I completed a Master's degree in Narrative Therapy and Community Work from the University of Melbourne Australia. Steer Your Story is based on 30+ years of research and theory and it works. The practices and techniques shared saved my own life.
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For me this is personal. As a survivor of multiple childhood traumas including molestation and witnessing my father's attempts to take his own life, I spent years telling myself a story that simply wasn’t true. A story of anxiety and urgency and “not good enough.” This story kept me in a cycle of overachieving, co-dependent relationships, mindless busyness, and a relationship with anorexia. It also at times kept me from taking action.
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Perhaps you have told yourself a not true story, too. Maybe, like me, you spent years living in fear, or urgency, or seeking validation from others in hopes you would feel good enough.
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Thanks to using the practices and techniques offered in this program I feel more empowered than ever.
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I’ve been able to shed the stories of fear and urgency, step into a preferred narrative of the skilled woman I am and create a life that is fulfilling and of service to others.
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I am also passionate about healing and recovery not only as individuals but together. As we continue to emerge from a global pandemic, the impacts of climate change and current events, we are navigating unprecedented times filled with unknowns. I am determined to do what I can to make a difference in being of service to others being able to maintain their sense of balance in their inner narrative so they can continue to take action.
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I am living my purpose and passion every day. And I am able to (on most days) maintain balance even in times of deep uncertainty. I want You to step into your preferred story too!
