About Peggy Derivan

I have always believed in people’s ability to improve their lives and live more happily. I strive to help people reach their fullest potential by focusing on strengths and utilizing their unique gifts and experiences to better their lives. I have been practicing for the past 11 years with both children and adults in a variety of contexts. I worked as an addictions, mental health counselor, and child development specialist at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia for two years. Following my return to Rochester, I was the Clinical Coordinator of school-age programs at Mt. Hope Family Center.

Since 2000, I have also provided free counseling services through a volunteer therapist program at Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center for those who lack health insurance or the ability to pay for Mental Health assistance. I also do pro bono counseling for students in the Masters of Counseling program at the University of Rochester.

It was because of my belief in a strength-based, respectful approach to working with people that I was drawn to Narrative Therapy. Since 2003, I have studied and practiced Narrative Therapy through trainings at the Center for Narrative Practice, and within my counseling practice. I also train other counselors and counseling students in the use of the narrative approach.

I have a Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Rochester, I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) through the State of New York.

It is a pleasure to be a Narrative Therapist. I enjoy the opportunity to hear the complexities and richness in the stories that make up people’s lives. I am privileged to witness children, teenagers, and their parents and families take a stand against the problems that are disrupting their lives. I am inspired by learning what people are committed to, what they hold most dear, and how they learned to hold these values. I am often moved to do something different in my own life by hearing someone else’s courageous acts to change a problem’s hold on their life.