Existential Narrative Therapy

Therapy tools aren’t always still. They aren’t just books on a shelf or worksheets in a binder. Sometimes, they’re a miniature car held between fingers, or a tiny plastic ladder placed with intention into soft, forgiving sand. This week, I practiced my SandTray skills with the help of one of my favorite people—my daughter, who’s now in college and generously offered her time (and patience) to be part of my learning process. It was humbling. And also deeply meaningful. As a mental health counseling intern, I’m expanding my toolkit every day—not just in theory, but in lived practice. I’ve learned that creating safe, symbolic spaces isn’t just for the client’s benefit—it helps me slow down, stay curious, and hold space for what words can’t always capture. SandTray therapy may look like play… But it’s more than that. It’s storytelling in motion. It’s metaphor, memory, and meaning unfolding in real time. It’s giving someone a chance to explore their world with their hands when ...

Mental health isn’t a trend. It’s not a social media hashtag or a campaign month. It’s a part of being human—messy, layered, and ever-present. Yes, we’re hearing more words like “trauma,” “boundaries,” and “self-care” in our everyday lives. And that visibility matters. Language opens doors. It brings awareness. It sparks conversations that, even five or ten years ago, might have been whispered or avoided altogether. But let’s also be honest: the stigma hasn’t disappeared. For many, acknowledging mental health still feels risky. Seeking help might feel like weakness. Sharing openly still invites misunderstanding or silence. As a mental health counseling intern and human walking through this same world, I believe it’s more important than ever to speak with honesty and compassion. To hold space for discomfort without pathologizing it. To remind others—and ourselves—that it’s okay to not be okay. In fact, it’s brave. Brave to admit when things feel heavy. Brave to ask for support....

This space is for those who are curious—not just about mental health, but about meaning. I’m Virginia S Grenier, a Mental Health Counseling Intern currently pursuing my degree at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. My approach to counseling is rooted in person-centered values, narrative therapy, existential exploration, and trauma-informed care. I also integrate polyvagal and somatic practices—because healing doesn’t just live in the mind; it lives in the body, and in the stories we carry there. This blog is not a place for advice-giving or “fixing.” It’s a space for reflecting, wondering, reframing, and remembering. You’ll find thoughts on: ✨ Reclaiming identity through narrative ✨ Making peace with ambiguity and grief ✨ The power of sand tray work and symbols ✨ Self-regulation through a polyvagal lens ✨ Parenting, partnership, and being human ✨ Quotes and voices that have lingered in my soul You may also find echoes of my voice from other realms—I’m an award-w...