Geries Shaheen • November 16, 2022

Artemis Captured- Narrative Therapy

Spoiler- this is not regarding the Artemis space launch.

There are some experiences that take a while to process. I don’t mean in just the classic sense of trauma or shock. I mean there are some places and events that leave such an impact that your mind will house it away for safekeeping clear into old age! Hard to believe? We’ll stick with me and let’s see if I can convince you. Let’s find out if I can paint my memory in your mind.

Imagine a perfect mid 70’s degree day, Sun poking through cotton ball clouds above a Turkish hillside carpeted in red anemones. The breeze swirls through the crimson field navigating its way from a stone amphitheater below, fighting its way toward the heights of ancient temple stones once for Artemis, now left for folklore. The sound of trickling water running through stair stepped gutter system catches your ear. Not ten minutes prior, a stroll through a hollowed history Ephesus called ‘church’. Pillars holding up the blue sky with inscriptions of faith. A stark difference from the symbols etched on the ancient sidewalks billboarding the nearest brothel of that time. Along the way a white-furred companion joins you, giving you a sense of power to keep climbing the endless Amphitheatre steps covered in overgrowth. Finally, you are met not by a deity or mystic, but rather by a bright little soul selling flowers out of a basket.

 

You wonder how paradoxes exist in real life? It’s when a weathered Grecian temple and an extinct Christian church glare at one another for millennia to a backdrop of an uncaring Mother Nature eating them both into the ground. And yet, a Christian tour group and Athenian visitors snap digital keepsakes to the tune of a minaret bellowing an Islamic call to prayer.

 

Do you have the scene? I do. It’s been frozen in my mind for 14 years. That’s the power of the amazing neural nets we create. We harbor memories not just for sentiment or survival, but also for deep meaning. It is crucial to learn that experiences are not simply visual stimuli reflecting light into our eyes causing a chemical response. No, experiences hold meaning. Sometimes that meaning won’t define itself until years later!

 

14 years ago and a day after, the group I was with toured an ancient mosque. Even if the faith is not shared, there can still exist respect for the beauty and history of the people and land. I, however, chose to sit outside of this mosque.

 

It overlooked a cityscape miles below. A man sat beside me as I awaited the group. The man proceeded to explain Islam, his pillars of faith, and the promise of his religion. He passionately urged me to consider his faith as true and gave many health reasons as to why it would be a wise choice.

 

I was appreciative of his passion. The man believed in something so boldly that a mere stranger was an opportunity for dialogue.

Why does our mind keep these instances? What sort of lessons are we attempting to teach ourselves? Why keep this one, but not others? These are the experiences that form and shape identity. They are the milestones of our growth, the gatekeepers, the rites of passage!

 

I often have clients that suffer from feeling lost, wandering, and not certain who they are anymore or whom they’ve become. They present confusion when discussing virtues, values, and beliefs. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve memorized tenants and idealized boundaries, but somehow missed the love letter behind it all. The prompt is to explore the inner self through the external human experience. Finding humanity through humanity.

 

There is a psychological framework called narrative therapy that I am quite fond of. This modality prompts the client to wander through their life timeline using a new perspective. The therapist walks along with the client and both begin to infuse meaning and purpose into these otherwise trapped memories. Pain, joy, boredom, doesn’t matter the context. What matters is the ability to loosen and restructure the neural net in a healthy way. Allowing it to leak, but with purpose and gratefulness.

 

This is all a bit too abstract to explain at times, and so part of the experience is the journey itself.

This practice is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to help clients identify their values and the skills associated with them. It connects them with knowledge of their ability to live these values so they can effectively confront current and future problems. The therapist seeks to help co-write a new narrative about themselves by investigating the history of those values. Narrative therapy can be viewed as a social justice approach to therapeutic conversations, seeking to challenge dominant discourses that tend to shape people's lives in potentially destructive ways. Narrative therapy was developed during the 1970s and 1980s, largely by Australian social worker Michael White and David Epston of New Zealand, and influenced by philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists such as Michel Foucault,[Jerome Bruner, and Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky.

 

The intent is to separate people's identities from the problems they face , narrative therapy implements “externalizing” conversations. The process of externalization lets people explore their relationships with problems rather than embody them. A person's strengths or positive attributes also are externalized. This allows people to engage in the construction and performance of their true and meaningful identities (where otherwise meaningfulness had been lost).

 

If this interests you, consider learning more about the handful of narrative-based interventions!

Now let’s see if my recollection matches what you had in mind!

 

Do you have a favorite memory? Is there a snapshot that forever lives with you? Do you favor it? Fear it? Condemn it? Approach it? Revisit it? I would love to read about it!

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Geries Shaheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally

Pioneer Counseling Blog

Navigating Change in 2026 with Resilience and Hope

By Geries Shaheen • January 3, 2026
January invites reflection. In 2026, whether you’re a clinician supporting others or a client investing in your own healing, one truth remains constant: change is inevitable—but growth is intentional. The way we engage with change shapes outcomes more than the change itself. While mental health frameworks, technologies, and conversations continue to evolve, the core of healing remains deeply human—rooted in connection, meaning, and courage. The Bigger Picture: A Need That’s Real, and Hopeful Mental health challenges are widespread, yet the story does not end there. Globally, over 1 billion people live with a mental health condition. In the United States, nearly 1 in 4 adults experienced a mental health concern in the past year. At the same time, recent data shows improvements in youth mental health, including reductions in major depressive episodes and suicidal ideation. These numbers tell a dual story: the need is significant, and progress is possible. For Clinicians: Where Science Meets Presence We practice at the intersection of evidence and empathy. Recent trends show that more than half of adults with mental health conditions are now receiving treatment, and nearly 70% of individuals with serious mental illness are accessing care. Additionally, close to nine out of ten people who engage in therapy report meaningful improvements in their lives. What this reinforces in 2026: Evidence-based modalities matter, but how they are delivered matters just as much. Emotional safety is not optional; it is foundational. Small, often quiet gains are still powerful indicators of change. Progress does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a client naming an emotion more clearly, setting a boundary, or returning after a difficult week. These moments count. For Clients: Your Healing Is Not a Performance If you are in therapy, or considering it, these truths are worth holding onto this year: You are not behind. Healing has no universal timeline. Your voice matters. Therapy works best when your values and lived experience shape the process. Progress is rarely linear. Growth often includes pauses, detours, and revisiting old ground with new insight. Therapy is not about becoming a different person. It is about becoming more fully yourself. The data supports this: the vast majority of people who engage in counseling report improvements in confidence, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. A Shared Journey Forward Clinicians and clients are not on opposite sides of the work, we are collaborators in a shared human process. Hope in 2026 is not blind optimism. It is grounded in effort, connection, and skill-building. It shows up in sessions that feel hard but honest, in moments of insight that arrive quietly, and in the courage to keep showing up. As this year unfolds, may healing feel attainable, growth feel sustainable, and change feel less overwhelming. One intentional step at a time. Geries Shaheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally. Geries is EMDR trained and DBT Certified, practicing from a TIC lens.

DBT Nightmare Protocol

By Geries Shaheen • March 25, 2023
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the 1980s to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and emphasizes acceptance and validation of intense emotions. It involves weekly individual and group therapy sessions, where individuals learn specific skills related to mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT has since been adapted to treat a range of mental health conditions and is recognized as an evidence-based treatment. DBT has been proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and eating disorders. One of the key components of DBT is the use of specific protocols to address common issues that clients may experience. One of these protocols is the DBT Nightmare Protocol, which is designed to help individuals who are experiencing recurring nightmares. Nightmares are a common experience for many people, and they can be particularly distressing for individuals who have experienced trauma. In fact, nightmares are a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and they can be a significant barrier to healing for individuals who are struggling with this condition. The DBT Nightmare Protocol was developed to help these individuals manage their nightmares and reduce their overall distress. The DBT Nightmare Protocol is a 10-week protocol that is designed to help individuals learn to manage their nightmares through a combination of behavioral strategies and cognitive techniques. The protocol is typically conducted in a group setting, although it can also be done on an individual basis. The following is an overview of the different components of the DBT Nightmare Protocol. Week 1: Psychoeducation The first week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol is dedicated to psychoeducation. During this week, the therapist will provide information about nightmares and the impact they can have on mental health. Clients will also learn about the common triggers for nightmares and the different ways in which nightmares can be managed. Week 2: Sleep Hygiene During the second week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about sleep hygiene. This includes information about the importance of getting enough sleep, as well as strategies for improving sleep quality. Clients will also learn about the relationship between sleep and nightmares, and they will be provided with specific strategies for reducing the frequency and intensity of their nightmares. Week 3: Imagery Rehearsal Therapy Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a technique that is commonly used to treat nightmares. During the third week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about IRT and how it can be used to reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares. Clients will also have the opportunity to practice IRT techniques with the guidance of their therapist. In IRT, your therapist first provides you with background information on sleep and nightmares to "set the scene" for learning to manage them. Then, working with your therapist, you create detailed, nonfrightening endings for nightmares you've had repeatedly. Write down and rehearse the nightmares with the new endings. Learn how to monitor your nightmares so you know how well your IRT treatment is working. The goal is to "reprogram" your nightmares to be less terrifying if and when they occur again. Week 4: Mindfulness Mindfulness is a key component of DBT, and it can be particularly helpful for individuals who are experiencing nightmares. During the fourth week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about mindfulness and how it can be used to manage anxiety and other symptoms associated with nightmares. Week 5: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body. This technique can be particularly helpful for individuals who are experiencing nightmares. During the fifth week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about PMR and how it can be used to reduce the intensity of nightmares. Week 6: Cognitive Restructuring Cognitive restructuring is a technique that is used to challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs. During the sixth week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about cognitive restructuring and how it can be used to challenge negative beliefs and thoughts that contribute to nightmares. People sometimes experience distorted thinking. Thought patterns that create an unhealthy perspective of reality. Cognitive distortions often lead to depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and self-defeating behaviors. Examples of cognitive distortions include: black-and-white thinking catastrophizing overgeneralizing personalizing Cognitive restructuring allows you to notice these maladaptive thoughts as they’re occurring. And then practice reframing these thoughts in more accurate ways. During this step, you will question your assumptions, gather evidence by self-monitoring on a daily basis, and perform cost-benefit various analyses. If you can change how you look at certain events or circumstances, your feelings and the actions you take may also change. Week 7: Graded Exposure Graded exposure is a technique that involves gradually exposing oneself to a feared situation or object. During the seventh week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about graded exposure and how it can be used to reduce the fear associated with nightmares. Week 8: Relaxation Training Relaxation training is a technique that involves teaching individuals to relax their bodies and minds. During the eighth week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about relaxation training and how it can be used to reduce anxiety and other symptoms associated with nightmares. Clients will also have the opportunity to practice relaxation techniques with the guidance of their therapist. Week 9: Self-Compassion Self-compassion is an important component of DBT, and it can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma. During the ninth week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol, clients will learn about self-compassion and how it can be used to reduce self-criticism and self-blame associated with nightmares. Week 10: Relapse Prevention The final week of the DBT Nightmare Protocol is focused on relapse prevention. During this week, clients will learn about the different strategies they can use to maintain the progress they have made in managing their nightmares. They will also be encouraged to develop a plan for how they will continue to manage their nightmares after the end of the protocol. The DBT Nightmare Protocol is a comprehensive and effective approach to managing nightmares. By incorporating a range of behavioral and cognitive strategies, clients are able to learn the skills they need to reduce the frequency and intensity of their nightmares. If you are experiencing nightmares, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional who is trained in DBT to see if the DBT Nightmare Protocol is right for you. Unsure about adapting DBT into your framework? -A randomized controlled trial of DBT for suicidal and self-injuring individuals with BPD found that DBT was more effective than treatment as usual in reducing suicidal and self-injurious behaviors (Linehan et al., 2006). -A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials of DBT for individuals with BPD found that DBT was effective in reducing suicidal and self-injurious behaviors, as well as other symptoms of BPD, such as depression and anxiety (Kliem et al., 2010). -A randomized controlled trial of DBT for individuals with binge eating disorder found that DBT was more effective than treatment as usual in reducing binge eating and improving eating disorder-related attitudes and behaviors (Safer et al., 2010). -A review of 17 studies of DBT for individuals with substance use disorders found that DBT was effective in reducing substance use and improving overall functioning (Linehan et al., 2002). Overall, research suggests that DBT is an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including BPD, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is worth noting that the effectiveness of DBT can vary depending on individual factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the level of treatment adherence. Perhaps you are a private practice in the mental health industry, or maybe a large agency trying to get your clinicians on the same page regarding Trauma Informed Care. Consider the Pioneer Counseling Trauma Informed Care Psychotherapy Tx Planner. It really is more than a tx planner, it is a guide and a point of reference. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ9FWFMT?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0MKBDBQ5PRD8G8NBEJ0B No alt text provided for this image Geries Shaheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally. Geries is EMDR trained and DBT Certified, practicing from a Trauma Informed Care lens.e body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
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