journal_august_2026_release_full_edition - Flipbook - Page 121
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Catherine: Because it's God's will?
Sophie9s Sandrine: Because my father tells me that it's God's will. And so, I can't
feel anything, I can't let myself go, and even though everything in my
life is fine, I'm suffering, and I'm all alone with this anxiety. And no
one listens to me.
I found it interesting when Sandrine replied: 8Because my father tells me that it's
God's will9. As if she didn't agree with that, as if she had her own view of things.
And indeed, we had brought out an important idea, which is that viewing
difficulties as trials to be endured by God's will deprives people of the right to
complain. But I didn't want to cut Sandrine off from her father by criticising his
beliefs. The person is not the problem, nor is her father. I did wonder, however,
how Sandrine came to think differently from him. I could have pressed her more,
because I suppose it takes a strong character to question your father's beliefs in
this type of family culture. It requires principles that are far superior to belief and
very firmly established.
Catherine: How did you come to this conclusion, Sandrine? This family idea that
it's a trial sent by God and that you have to accept it & How did you
come to this other idea that it can prevent you from being sad or
take away your right to be sad?
Sophie9s Sandrine: Actually, when I do this with the people I work with, children
who are suffering and being bullied, I happen to see so many things
& If I do the same and come to think that it's a trial and not listen to
them or consider what they're going through, then I'm not helping!
I'm not acknowledging their suffering! & Well, I & I & And that's how
it makes me feel. I couldn't do that to people. I couldn't just tell
people: this is your destiny; you have to live with it. Am I going to tell
children that being raped is their destiny? And tell them that they
I Could See Myself in Her … Practising Insider Witnessing in Supervision
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, August 2026 Release, p. 111-135.
www.journalcnt.com
