My Approach
Next Chapter Counseling uses the narrative therapy worldview. I believe that people are not problems—problems are problems.
Helping each client tell the story of the problems in their lives and working on their relationships to those problems is a central part of our work.
To learn more about Narrative Therapy, check out the Narrative Therapy Initiative. ​
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In pursuit of our goals set by the narrative worldview, we may use techniques that have their roots in other therapeutic traditions. Especially useful are techniques from Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Grief and Trauma Intervention for Children.
Additional Therapies
Alongside Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques Next Chapter Counseling LLC is proud to offer innovative evidence based treatments such as horticulture therapy, animal assisted therapy, therapeutic knitting and bibliotherapy.
Bibliotherapy
The practice of bibliotherapy is “using carefully selected thematic books” “to reach [children] experiencing difficult situations.” At NCC we use this approach to help engage children especially those who may be shy or have difficulty naming feelings.
Rozalski, M., Stewart, A., & Miller, J. (2010). Bibliotherapy: Helping Children Cope with Life’s Challenges. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 47(1), 33–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2010.10516558
Animal Assisted Intervention
Research has shown that interacting with animals can reduce symptoms of both stress and anxiety. At NCC you can spend time with a dog or a turtle As well as having the option to bring in your own support animals to session.
Somerville J.W., Kruglikova Y.A., Robertson R.L., Hanson L.M., MacLin O.H. Physiological responses by college students to a dog and a cat: Implications for pet therapy. N. Am. J. Psychol. 2008;10:519–528. [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
Therapeutic Horticulture
Research shows that gardening activities, especially those where you touch the soil, can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. In the office, we can take cuttings, propagate plants, and learn ways to engage with the plants in our environment.
ISSN (Print): 1226-8763ISSN (Electronic): 2465-8588URL: http://www.kjhst.orgCABI Record Number: 20193138486
Publisher: Korean Society for Horticultural Science Location of publication: Suwon Country of publication: Korea Republic
Fiber arts and knitting
According to researchers in the UK, “Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to wellbeing and quality of life. “ Learning to knit or doing other fiber based activities will help participants to engage in productive and mindful creative activities.
Riley J, Corkhill B, Morris C (2013) The benefits of knitting for personal and social wellbeing in adulthood: findings from an international survey. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2),50-57.DOI:10.4
Creative and Expressive Art Therapy
“The literature review revealed numerous benefits for children’s self-esteem and potential post-traumatic growth when expressive arts therapy approaches such as art and play therapy, are incorporated with established trauma treatments.” At NCC we use drawing, painting, collage, clay and doll house play to access these benefits for clients.
Hashimi Malone, Leila, "A Time to Play: A Literature Review on Trauma-Informed Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Approaches for Low-Income Children" (2019). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 158.
Written Exposure Therapy
This is a therapeutic technique in which people write about their experiences to reduce their symptoms of PTSD. This is a technique which can be effectively combined with narrative therapy to help clients work through their traumatic experiences in an organized way.