Story work is the practice of writing a particular memory in narrative form and reading it aloud to a trusted guide.

With courage and tenderness, I will enter into the confusion, darkness, and beauty of what you’ve written. We will engage your story to better understand where you feel stuck.

I will simply invite you to be curious about the stories which have essentially become the wallpaper of your life.

Engaging our individual stories can help us make sense of the past and give us a vision for the future. So many people have found freedom and deep healing through story work.

TCK = Third Culture Kid (army brat, second generation immigrant, missionary kid, expat kid, etc.

TCKs grew up in between cultures. They often feel outside of their parent’s culture but don’t fully belong in their host culture either. It’s a unique and complicated way to grow up and form your identity.

Although there are innumerable benefits and privileges to a childhood like this, it also comes with deep pain: a revolving door of friendship, identity confusion, no sense of ‘home’, chaos, belonging fatigue, code switching, and so much loss.

Missionaries, military personnel, and expats also experience trauma, loss, and decision fatigue as they juggle life across cultures.

I’ve lived in four different countries and raised my kids around the world. They’ve taught me so much about the importance of grieving well and leaning into rituals during each transition.

Memory is a funny thing. When we experience trauma, the story is stored away depending on the care we received.

It’s frustrating to not be able to remember your childhood, but it is common. If you find yourself only remembering fragments, flashes, or snippets, we can still do story work together.

Schedule a story writing session and let’s see what comes up.

All three story work coaching packages include a 30 minute writing session.

If you are brand new to story work and feel unable to write at least 500 words, you may need to schedule an extra writing session.

If you are an Allender Center participant or part of a story group outside of the Allender Center, I would be honored to support you in writing a story.

Ultimately, it depends on what you are seeking to engage and heal from. You can also reach out so we can discuss your unique pain and experiences.

1 Story package: Best for those who are curious and might not be ready to invest fully. Also a great option for someone who has already engaged a particular story somewhere else, but feel there is more work to be done. I can offer a fresh perspective and bring more depth.

2 Story package: Best for those who:

• have done story work before, but have some lingering or haunting memories which need care.

• has experienced birth/fertility trauma or adult TCK/cross cultural life trauma

4 Story package: Best for those who long to make sense of their story as a whole. Complex trauma, family of origin, or trauma events which span years might require this larger package. It will give you the time and space needed to peel off what’s just become the wallpaper of your life. Together, we will traverse the topography of your story in order to name harm more truthfully and find more joy and freedom to roam.

You do not have to belong to any particular religion or spiritual practice to engage your story.

I only ask that you be open and curious about the spiritual background of your childhood.

I myself am a professing follower of Christ, though it’s been a tumultuous journey.

I am a Certified Narrative Focused Trauma Care® Story Coach through The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Psychology and Theology. I currently facilitate groups for the Allender Center’s NFTC and Story Workshop offerings.

I am flexible to meet with international clients across all time zones.

Though I am not a licensed therapist, I am happy to suggest some of my amazing colleagues if you feel you need more long term weekly care.

I do not take insurance at this time.