Story Work — and specifically, my DGS Story Work Framework — is not a form of therapy or a clinical intervention. I am not a licensed mental health practitioner, and I do not offer treatment, diagnosis, or medical care. This work is not a substitute for therapy, trauma treatment, or psychiatric support.

What I offer is a reflective and creative practice rooted in lived experience, deep inquiry, and years of guiding others through meaning-making processes.

Story Work invites people to be in relationship with their lived experiences — the adverse, the nourishing, and everything in between — in ways that foster emotional clarity, nervous system awareness, and a more coherent sense of identity.

Many micro-practices within the DGS Story Work Framework (such as life mapping, expressive reflection, and narrative integration) are informed by existing research in neuroscience, psychology, and narrative studies.

I am actively engaged in curating that literature, including studies that both support and challenge elements of the practice, in order to position Story Work with integrity and care.

DGS Story Work is not about “fixing” or rewriting yourself. It’s about being with your experiences in a way that builds self-trust, internal coherence, and deeper connection, often with effects that feel therapeutic, cathartic, and life-affirming. While this practice can be profoundly supportive, it may not be appropriate in place of mental health care for those in acute distress or with complex trauma. I encourage anyone navigating crisis or significant emotional pain to seek licensed therapeutic support.

Long term, my goal is to contribute to a growing body of evidence on how DGS Story Work impacts the nervous system and the ways we move through the world.

I’m exploring the possibility of conducting a formal independent research study with a large-scale participant group, with a particular focus on incorporating neurodivergent experiences.

If you have questions about how DGS Story Work aligns with your personal needs or care journey, please feel free to reach out.