Mythopoetic Spaces in the (Trans)formation of Counselors and Therapists

Abstract

This chapter explores the mythopoetic dimensions of counselor formation and transformation that have emerged from the author's doctoral research on the place of spirituality in counselors' self-narratives, and my experience as a counselor educator. For the purpose of this chapter, "mythopoesis" is seen as a deeper layer in a person's self-narrative, taking us beyond constructivism and social constructionism to create an inclusive narrative, challenging binaries of sacred and profane, truth and fiction, mythos and logos, individual and collective. Two such mythopoetic narratives are "the passion narrative" and "the liminal narrative". Although derived from research conversations with counselors, and applied to counselor education and professional development, these mythopoetic narratives have applications for lifelong learning in different contexts.