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Narrative Therapy for Self-Esteem: Rewriting Your Story with Phil Lane, LCSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, I sit down with Phil Lane, LCSW—psychotherapist, author, and passionate advocate for the power of storytelling in healing. Phil brings a humanistic perspective to his work, aiming to normalize and de-stigmatize the challenges so many of us face, from anxiety and panic to struggles with self-esteem.

Phil is the author of Understanding and Coping with Illness Anxiety, Overcoming Panic and Panic Attacks, and The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem (https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485312/the-narrative-therapy-workbook-for-self-esteem/?srsltid=AfmBOooPeBwT0rZSmbSN8ywdpbcmGiHCUtHMCYnwmwPjXHJ558JYcHA8). Drawing from his background in education and clinical practice, Phil explains how narrative therapy can help clients shift problem-saturated stories, uncover missing story parts, and re-author more compassionate, authentic versions of their lives.

Phil also shares personal reflections, the inspiration behind his books, and how his own love of story continues to inform both his clinical practice and his writing.

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Topics Covered:

  • What narrative therapy is and why storytelling matters in mental health
  • How dominant narratives and problem saturation shape self-esteem
  • Practical tools like externalizing problems, letter-writing, and identifying unique outcomes
  • Ways therapists can integrate narrative practices alongside other modalities

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About Our Guest: Phil Lane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. He writes and practices from a humanistic point of view, with a commitment to making therapy concepts accessible and reducing stigma around mental health. He lives in central New Jersey with his family, where he enjoys gardening, reading, writing, watching baseball, and model railroading.

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Resources: 

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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