THE DEETS ON:

A Post-Structuralist Approach to Individual AND Relationship Work

Supporting it all,
Why and How?
HILDA NANNING, RSW, MSW, RCC

Relational Therapy at HNC can involve poly folk, couples, families, business or otherwise partnerships, friends, etc.  As a Post-Structuralist, Somatic-Narrative oriented therapist, working across the relationships to include, sessions with the individuals separately and as well, the relationship entity as a whole; involves centering an eco-system/systems perspective and strict confidentiality across the sessions.  More traditionally-oriented and medical model counselling approaches may not endorse a therapist supporting both the individuals in the relationship and the relationship itself, but for a post-structuralist therapist, such as myself, working across the relational fields can be a highly effective source for therapeutic efficacy.­­­

Relational work in both the personal and the relationship fields, intends to engage expansion of any somatic and narrative ‘rigidity’ that may be informing ‘problem-story stuckness’ in the way of more healthy and harmonious interconnectivity, internally and in action relationally (the what we feel and the how we react business). ­­­ ‘Realities’ for the post-structuralist are viewed as highly subjective, and the therapeutic emphasis moves from “what is” to the personal and the internal, ‘felt experience’. In my therapeutic orientation, people and systems are seen as innately healthy and resilient, rather than inevitably problematic and homostatic. Somatic-Narrative, Post-Structural Therapy involves exploration of how the stories at play in our lives are influenced by the society, culture and politics we live in.  In essence, I remain loyal to a focus that exceeds beyond the construction of the person or the relationship as a problem. 

In my therapeutic orientation, people and systems are seen as innately healthy and resilient, rather than inevitably problematic and homostatic.

Some parties in the relationship may prefer a separate relationship therapist, and if so, I recommend exploring the options of Narrative Therapy relationship counsellor, in support of congruence with approaches, if possible.

My work remains highly influenced and engages with the principles and values of poststructuralism, queer theory, feminisms, anti oppressive practice, decolonization and constructivist epistemology and by YOU, dear client – as we co-research together how to best be here at this time, with ourselves and with each other.