Trauma Therapy in San Diego – Compassionate Witnessing™
At SoCal Narrative Therapy, we approach trauma differently. Instead of only revisiting what was done to you, we invite you to become a compassionate witness to your own story.
With the support of a trusted therapist, your story is told in the therapist’s voice while you listen as if you were in the audience. Many clients describe this as a powerful shift — for the first time, they could feel kindness and care for themselves, almost as if they were hearing the story of someone else they deeply admired.
“During my compassionate witnessing interview, I felt that a level of detachment occurred for me. I was looking at someone else’s story… Seeing myself this way allowed me to feel compassion for myself even though it wasn’t me, it was my story. How can I not let the compassion transfer over to the real me?” — Miranda
But we don’t stop there. We also tell the other side of the trauma story: the story of how you responded. The story of your refusal, your creativity, your determination to keep going, even in the face of what was done to you. This is the protagonist’s story — the part of you that acted with purpose and strength, even in impossible circumstances. This is what makes narrative trauma therapy stand out from the rest.
“It was very much like reading a book about the character and feeling for them… I was feeling love and care about this girl they were talking about — who is me! That third perspective really allowed me to give those compassionate thoughts to myself. For the first time, I could see myself as the hero of the story.” — Patricia
Compassionate Witnessing™ makes it possible to not only see your trauma differently, but to see yourself differently: as worthy of compassion, as someone who has already demonstrated courage, and as the author of a new future.
Rooted in Narrative Therapy Tradition
Compassionate Witnessing™ was co-developed with David Epston, co-founder of narrative therapy, and has been described in several published articles outlining its unique effects in trauma care. This body of work reflects both our commitment to innovation and to honoring the traditions of narrative practice.
Ready to experience trauma therapy in a new way? Contact us today for a consultation.
Call- 619-736-3757
Email: socalnarrativetherapy@gmail.com