Journal October 2026 Special DISPUK Release_Full Version - Flipbook - Page 43
42
So that it doesn9t seem too strange, this time I9m starting my letter with a short
introductory note to Thomas and Mia.
I write:
Dear Thomas and Mia,
Here is a letter following our most recent conversation. This time, I
have chosen to write it differently—as a letter from Peter.
Here at DISPUK, we believe it9s important to cherish the significant
people in our lives, whether they9re here or not. You spoke so warmly
and in such detail about Peter last time that I was inspired to bring
Peter9s voice a little more to the fore by writing my letter as if it were
from him.
I hope it makes sense—and if not, please just let it go.
Best regards,
Camilla
After writing this introductory letter, I now turn my gaze to the board and focus
on all the words from the conversation that can give me a sense of what Peter
was like, their relationship, and what else characterized the life they shared9.
In my mind9s eye, a portrait of the person I9ve heard about begins to take shape. I
imagine a style, a demeanor, a way of being in the world, and my words seek out
the content from the transcript where Mia said something about what Peter
would answer.
I focus on keeping my own voice out and begin to formulate Peter9s first words, as
they were formulated by Mia, and as they were formulated in the conversation.
9
During the conversation, I have asked for descriptions of the person, animal, or place in sufficient detail so that I
can visualize it. For inspiration on re-membering practices, see White (2006, Chapters 2–3) and White (2007,
Chapter 3).
For Me, Starting a Conversation Without a Letter Feels Like I9m Only Half a Therapist
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, October 2026 Special Release, p. 23-47
www.journalcnt.com
