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discussion. I decided to play her the recording (without our supervision
comments) and see where it would lead us.
I prepared a series of questions with the intention of using the technique
developed by Michael White for outsider witnesses. It seemed obvious to me that
this would allow her to become a witness to what I, as Sandrine, had said about
her. Like mirrors reflecting other mirrors. At the end of this, I hoped that she
would be able to grasp the ideas suggested by Catherine or perhaps find new
ones & by opening new doors.
It turned out that Sandrine called the process we had together 8Mirror9.
I took care to explain to her the context in which we had conducted this 8Insider
Witnessing Conversation9 with Catherine, following my request made during
supervision. I knew she would understand, as she herself regularly interacted with
a multidisciplinary team for her work, including psychologists, etc. I also told her
that I might have been mistaken and apologised in advance, but that she should
feel free to say so, as she had a say in the matter. This is not a technique of
enchantment or magic. I always take care, as taught in narrative practices, to
consider the client as the expert and allow them to tell me if I am wrong.
It turned out that, on that day, Sandrine surprised me. I saw her arrive without
her water bottle and looking a little happier. What had happened? Had I not been
going round in circles after all? As usual, she took her seat in the armchair.
I started listening to the recording with her, which made me a little uneasy
because I admit I wasn't very comfortable with the idea. What if I had been
completely wrong? She was very attentive and focused, as usual.
From the very first moments, she began to cry. I noted in my notebook the
moment when this emotion appeared, coinciding with the passage about children
who are suffering. Was this a lead we could explore?
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
