Síle Ó Donnelly
Senior Narrative Identity Facilitator
Chapter & Voice Limited
The Power of Your Story
Síle's journey into narrative identity work started with a simple observation: the stories people tell about themselves directly shape their confidence and future choices. After completing her Master's degree in Counselling Psychology at University College Cork, she spent six years working in clinical counselling. But she noticed something missing — there wasn't enough space for people to explore their narratives in supportive group environments, where the real magic happens when stories are shared and witnessed together.
Over 14 years, she's worked with more than 2,000 participants across Ireland, helping them uncover recurring themes in their life stories, recognize the strengths they've already built, and consciously rewrite the narratives that no longer serve them. Her approach is grounded in both psychological insight and practical storytelling techniques. She's trained in narrative therapy through the Family Therapy Institute Dublin and holds her certification from the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. What really drives her work is witnessing that moment when someone realizes their story isn't fixed — it can be reshaped, reclaimed, and transformed into something that genuinely empowers them.
14 Years Building Confidence Through Stories
Clinical Counselling Foundation
Six years in clinical counselling roles, working one-to-one with individuals on personal growth and narrative reconstruction. This foundation shaped her understanding of how deeply personal stories affect wellbeing and self-perception.
Narrative Therapy Training & Certification
Specialized training through Family Therapy Institute Dublin in narrative and solution-focused therapy. Earned certification from the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists in 2015. Continues ongoing professional development in group facilitation and trauma-informed storytelling practices.
Group Facilitation & Workshop Leadership
Since 2012, she's designed and facilitated narrative workshops across Ireland — Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. She's developed signature programs for exploring life themes, rewriting limiting narratives, and building confidence through shared storytelling in group settings.
Senior Facilitator at Chapter & Voice Limited
Leading narrative identity workshops and training other facilitators since 2019. She's worked with over 2,000 participants, developing curriculum and mentoring emerging practitioners in the field of narrative coaching and personal storytelling.
What Síle Brings to Your Story
Uncovering Themes & Strengths
Most people don't realize the patterns woven through their life stories until someone helps them look. Síle specializes in guiding individuals to identify recurring themes — both the challenging ones and the strengths they've built. She works with you to recognize what your stories reveal about who you actually are, separate from who you thought you had to be.
The process isn't about judgment. It's about understanding. When you see the threads connecting your experiences, confidence naturally grows because you're no longer just reacting to life — you're authoring it.
Rewriting Limiting Narratives
We all carry stories about ourselves that we've accepted as truth. "I'm not creative." "I'm not a natural leader." "People don't listen to me." But these narratives aren't facts — they're versions of events that we've learned to tell. Síle's expertise lies in helping you recognize where these limiting stories come from and consciously rewrite them into frameworks that actually empower you.
The shift isn't about pretending everything's fine. It's about choosing a more honest, more generous version of your story. One that acknowledges your struggles but also honors your capacity to grow, adapt, and choose differently.
Group Storytelling for Mutual Insight
What makes Síle's approach unique is her belief in the power of shared narrative. She doesn't just help individuals understand their stories — she creates spaces where people can share their chapters in supportive group settings, where real insight emerges through mutual witnessing and listening.
When you tell your story to people who truly listen, something shifts. You hear yourself differently. You notice details you'd glossed over. And when others share their stories, you often recognize yourself in theirs. That's where the real transformation happens — not in isolation, but in community.
Her workshops are designed around this principle. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their own narrative patterns, but they also leave knowing they're not alone. They've witnessed other people's courage. They've been witnessed. And they've learned that the stories we tell about ourselves aren't destiny — they're drafts we can revise.
Qualifications
Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology
University College Cork
Certification in Narrative & Solution-Focused Therapy
Family Therapy Institute Dublin
Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Professional Certification, 2015
Ongoing Professional Development
Group facilitation, trauma-informed practice, narrative coaching methodologies
Explore the Narrative Identity Approach
Síle writes regularly about storytelling, self-understanding, and how the narratives we carry shape our confidence and choices.
Understanding Your Life Story Themes
Learn to identify recurring patterns in your life stories and recognize the strengths you've already developed through lived experience.
Read ArticleSharing Stories in Group Settings
Discover how shared narrative creates mutual insight, builds community, and transforms the way you understand your own story through listening to others.
Read ArticleRewriting Limiting Narratives
Explore how the stories we tell about ourselves become self-fulfilling. Learn practical approaches to recognizing and reshaping limiting narratives into empowering frameworks.
Read ArticleHow Narratives Shape Confidence and Choices
Understand the direct connection between the narratives you carry and the confidence you experience. See how rewriting your story changes what feels possible.
Read ArticleReady to Explore Your Story?
Connect with Síle and discover how narrative identity work can help you build confidence, uncover your strengths, and rewrite the stories that shape your life.