Layered Symbolic Narrative (LSN) is an experiential therapy technique that uses symbolic objects, metaphor, and the senses to help clients explore emotions, relationships, experiences, and internal conflicts that may be difficult to express through words alone.
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What is Layered Symbolic Narrative (LSN)?
How LSN Works
LSN is a three-phase experiential process that helps clients explore meaningful aspects of their inner and outer experiences. With guidance from their therapist, clients select and arrange symbolic objects that represent different emotions, relationships, experiences, or parts of themselves.
As the arrangement develops, clients explore the meaning and relationships between the symbols. The completed narrative can offer new perspectives, insight, emotional connection, and possibilities for change. The process concludes by connecting these insights to the client’s everyday life.
Who Can Benefit From LSN?
LSN can be used with adult individuals, couples, and groups. Because it incorporates visual, sensory, and symbolic communication, it may be especially helpful when traditional conversation feels limiting or when clients have difficulty putting complex experiences into words.
LiSteN may help with:
- Trauma-related symptoms
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Shame
- Identity development
- Relationship challenges
- Life transitions
LiSteN may also support clients who are neurodivergent, experience dissociative tendencies, feel stuck in therapy, or have difficulty verbalizing emotions and experiences.
What to Expect in a LSN Session
A LSN session begins by identifying an issue, experience, relationship, emotion, or area of life you would like to explore. Your therapist will guide you in selecting symbolic objects that represent different aspects of your experience. There is no correct object or predetermined meaning; each symbol represents what it means to you.
As the arrangement develops, you and your therapist will explore the meaning, positioning, and relationships between the objects. The session generally lasts one to two hours and concludes by connecting the insights from the symbolic experience to your relationships, choices, patterns, and life outside therapy.
Meet Your Care Team
Our specialized clinicians are experts in treating this condition and are here to support your journey to wellness.
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Sashie Levertov
Intern
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Steve Moak
Intern
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Shawn Rodrigues
MC, LPC
FAQs About Layered Symbolic Narrative
Do I need to be creative or artistic to participate in LSN?
No. LSN does not require artistic ability or creativity in the traditional sense. You choose from existing symbolic objects based on what feels meaningful or representative to you. Your therapist guides the process and helps you explore the significance that develops.
What do the symbolic objects represent?
There are no universal or predetermined meanings assigned to the objects. A symbol may represent a person, emotion, memory, belief, part of yourself, relationship, obstacle, value, or something entirely different. Its meaning is determined by your own experience.
How long is a LSN session?
The three phases of LSN can generally be completed within a one- or two-hour therapy session. The exact format may vary depending on what you are exploring and how the experience unfolds.
Is LSN a replacement for my current therapy?
Not necessarily. LSN is designed to work alongside a variety of therapeutic approaches and can be incorporated into ongoing treatment. Clients already working with another therapist may also participate in a focused LSN session at PCS as an adjunct to their existing therapy.
Can LSN be used with couples or groups?
Yes. LSN can be used with adult individuals, couples, and groups. The symbolic process can provide another way to explore relationships, perspectives, communication patterns, and shared experiences.
What happens to the symbolic arrangement after the session?
During the final phase, the completed symbolic arrangement can be photographed. This creates a visual record of the experience and can help preserve the insights, relationships, and narrative that emerged during the session.
Want to learn about events focused on LSN?
Contact our front desk at 480.947.5739 or pcs@pcsearle.com to learn about upcoming events and trainings focused on Layered Symbolic Narrative.
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