Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Story Work?
Based on the Allendar Theory, Story Work (or Narrative-Based Trauma Care) is a therapeutic approach involving a gentle yet powerful exploration of an individual’s story in a safe space.
Core to Story Work is the belief that the journey of healing invites us to move from a place of cursing (contempt, shame, ambivalence) to one of blessing (compassion, goodness, delight). This occurs through telling our stories with truth and integrity as we grieve our wounds and offer blessing to the parts of us still bound to the cursed story.
As we share our story with trusted others who are able to name both our deep woundedness and our deep goodness, we grow a deeper capacity to know and live into our calling and engage in life-giving relationships with God and others.
What’s the difference between Story Work and life coaching?
Story Work delves into your past, exploring how your childhood experiences have shaped who you are and how you interact with the world. In contrast, life coaching is future-focused, helping you set and achieve your goals. While both approaches are valuable and helpful, they emphasize different aspects of your personal story.
Is Story Work biblical?
We believe that Story Work is deeply rooted in Biblical principles. John 21 provides a powerful example of Jesus engaging with Peter—acknowledging his pain and inviting him into service for His Kingdom. In this passage, Jesus is fully present with Peter, revisiting his past to understand the hurt, and guiding him forward into a renewed future.
What’s the difference between Story Work and therapy?
Story Work (or Narrative Focused Trauma Care) is a therapeutic approach rooted in the belief that understanding personal narratives is key to healing from trauma. Traditional therapy is provided by a licensed mental health professional with training in a variety of healing modalities. Story Work, on the other hand, is a healing practice led by a trained facilitator who is often not a licensed mental health professional but a trained lay counselor.
While Story Work is not therapy, it can be therapeutic in the sense of being a practice for self-discovery and healing. Furthermore, while therapy is often ongoing, Story Work is more intensive and focused.
I had a pretty good childhood with no significant trauma, so why would Story Work be helpful for me?
We live in an imperfect world, and all children experience trauma even if there is no explicit physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Even subtle, "small T trauma" is embodied in a child and can have lasting effects for years to come. Story Work helps to make sense of a person's story no matter its content.
How long do you typically meet with a person during 1-on-1 Story Work?
Every person is different, but a minimum of six sessions are needed to begin to understand a person's broader story. Generally, 1-on-1 Story Work lasts between nine and 12 sessions.
Do I have to be a Christian to engage in Story Work?
Anyone is welcome to engage in Dreaming Tree offerings, regardless of religious background. In 1-on-1 Story Work sessions, you choose how much you want to incorporate faith or spirituality. Story Groups are grounded in a Christian perspective of healing, drawing on the implications of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. While the focus is faith-oriented, anyone who is not a Christian is still welcome to join if they feel curious or comfortable with the Christian teachings that are part of the group.
What is the story behind the name “Dreaming Tree?”
In 1999, while attending college in Virginia, Andrew became a fan of the Dave Matthews Band. Their song "The Dreaming Tree," released in 1998, resonated deeply with him. The lyrics convey a profound longing for the past, for family, and for a place where pain and hope coexist. The Dreaming Tree symbolized a safe space that held and protected the stories of those in the song.
During a hike on the Northern Neck of Virginia, Andrew encountered his first "dreaming tree"—a tall, powerful oak that offered him immediate comfort. That image of the oak became a lasting source of solace for Andrew, a place where his stories were safeguarded, and his hope was renewed. We believe everyone has a "dreaming tree," and we hope to explore it together with you.
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept insurance.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
We do offer a small number of sliding scale spots. If you’re interested in applying for this option, complete our contact form.
How does billing work?
Clients pay upfront through our Papebell online utilizing Stripe.