About The Narrative Method
Founded by psychotherapist Shari Foos, The Narrative Method is a California-based 501c3 nonprofit organization addressing the need for sharing our voices in an atmosphere of mutual respect without criticism. Thousands of individuals, from across the country and from all walks of life have bonded to themselves and others through The Narrative Method experience. Now in its 12th year, the Narrative Method's mission is more relevant than ever.
THE PROBLEM
The Cult of Culture
The messages from the media, marketing propaganda, social media and the noise on the internet that confuse and shame you into conforming to groupthink, false information, unattainable standards and superficial goals.
TNM's mission is to bring together diverse individuals in safe spaces where they can let go of their self-consciousness and use their stories, creativity and humanity to connect more deeply to themselves and each other.
Our Mission
THE 12 CORE CONCEPTS
Who You Really Are
Your essential humanity and sense of self, separate from negative experiences and false perceptions.
Lantern in The Cave
Igniting your inspiration to see more clearly.
Kaleidoscoping
Reflecting and expanding your point of view to discover a multitude of perspectives.
Radical Gratitude
Choosing to live in a state of appreciation for the gifts and experiences of your life.
Wonderland
The experience of creative dreaming as a respite or a journey into your imagination.
Rocket Ship
The idea that small shifts in thought or action are enough to change your course.
Creative Force
Releasing the fire inside you through an active practice of self-expression.
Upgrading
The process of replacing false beliefs and integrating new information.
Flowers & Tears
Apology as an act of humility given without excuses or expectations; Forgiveness through putting yourself aside.
Sounds & Signals
The elements of communication that shape what you perceive and how you are understood.
Relational
Mindfulness
Compassionately connecting to others with an open mind and mutual respect to better understand their perspective.
Narrative A.W.E.
Embracing awareness wonder and empathy without judgment, expression without fear and connection without limits.
Our Journey
Our Founder
Shari Foos is the founder of The Narrative Method, an award-winning 501C3 that addresses the crisis of loneliness by connecting people through their stories and creative expression. Now in its 12th year, TNM offers numerous online groups open to all as well as programs for underserved communities including veterans, youth in crises and mature adults.
Ms. Foos is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California and New York. She earned an MS in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University (2012) and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles (1997), where she founded BRIDGE in 1999, a free humanities program for low-income adults, and where she is also an adjunct professor. She is the recipient of the New Directions for Veterans Community Hero Award (2015) and The Antioch University Los Angeles Lifetime Achievement Award (2016). Ms. Foos serves on the board of the City Kids Foundation and has served as a judge for Gold Humanism in Medicine since 2014. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Shari was a television writer, punk-rock singer and the creator of cutting-edge salons and events.
As a sought-after expert on the subjects of relationships, loneliness and meaningful connection, Foos’ writing and commentary have appeared in a range of online and print publications and podcasts, including Real Simple, Huffington Post, Women’s Health, KBLA, Fatherly, Thrive Global, Shondaland, The LA Weekly, Sparks & Honey Culture Briefings, Body Green, Sondership and Bustle.
