Kay Ingamells

My approach is optimistic, creative, and fun! Yes, it is possible to have fun in therapy conversations! Since 2003 I have been trained one-on-one and supervised by David Epston, one of the world’s leading therapists, and the co-inventor of Narrative Therapy. I have also co-taught with David all over the world and currently run a training programme in advanced narrative therapy with David and Dr. Tom Carlson. Too often people come to see themselves as the problems that are bothering them. We wonder ‘what’s wrong with me, ‘why can’t I deal with this when everybody else seems to, I feel as if I am the only one who suffers in this way, ‘why can’t I just snap out of it, etc., etc. The truth is that problems very often have much less to do with us than we think. Very often, problems have a lot to do with the wider contexts of our lives, including societal issues. I prefer to see problems as stories. These ‘problem stories’ often become so overwhelming that they consume us, take over our hearts and minds, and we find it almost impossible to separate ourselves from them. This is where narrative therapy comes in. Narrative questions tease the problem apart and make room for the person who has been pushed into the background. I bring questions that disrupt problem stories and help you to access your own wisdom and expertise so that you can disentangle yourself from problems and see yourself more clearly! I have published widely about my work and present regularly at conferences at home and internationally. I have taught therapy and counselling at undergraduate and postgraduate level for ten years. I work with individual adults, families, children and young people. I am a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) I am also a trained family therapist, child therapist, and Journey Practitioner. Please do have a look at my website and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.