Journal May 2026 Release_Full Edition - Flipbook - Page 12
11
In those seconds that passed, I remembered a conversation I had had a few weeks
earlier with a new friend, Paul Gallant. He was a therapist who shared his work
with me, and one evening, he told me a wonderful story about using the
metaphor of strength to encourage a young person to take on Trouble when it
shows up. Paul had a simple, but quite clever, approach. But what if Darnell found
the idea silly and walked away? I was afraid I might make things worse. I decided
to jump in and give it a try.
I asked Darnell if he would step over to the door, as I needed his help with
something. His face fell, and he looked very unhappy, but with arms crossed, he
walked slowly over to the door. I wondered if he was used to being reprimanded
and may have suspected that I would be one more adult who would shame him. I
told myself to keep going. I explained that I had not heard nor seen what had
happened and I wanted him to know I was not blaming him for anything, but that
I could really use his help.
A boy realizes his strength
Virginia:
Can I ask, Darnell, how old are you now?
Darnell:
Ten. (Arms still crossed, turned away from me).
Virginia:
And do you feel pretty strong for a ten-year-old?
Darnell:
Yeah.
Virginia:
Hmmm. Would you be willing to show me how strong you are?
Darnell:
I don’t know. (Mumbled, barely audible).
Virginia:
Well, I was wondering if you would be willing to test your strength by
squeezing my hand as hard as you can.
Darnell:
Okay. (Cautious grin).
“It’s Taken Care Of”: A Collaborative Effort by a Student and a Teacher to Keep Trouble out of the Classroom
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, May 2026 Release, p. 9-24.
www.journalnft.com
