What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative approach that helps people separate themselves from their problems by looking at those challenges as stories, not fixed identities. It empowers clients to re-author their lives, highlighting strengths, values, and preferred ways of being rather than being defined by difficulties or cultural norms.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful tools, and we often take then as fact rather than fiction.
Understanding Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is based on the idea that our lives are shaped by the stories we tell about ourselves and the stories others tell about us. Sometimes, those stories become dominated by problems—like “I’m anxious,” “I’m a failure,” or “I can’t have healthy relationships.” Narrative Therapy helps separate you from the problem, so you are not defined by it. Together, we look at how these stories were formed—through experiences, culture, family, or society—and then explore alternative stories that reflect your strengths, values, and hopes.
In a session, we might work on identifying “problem-saturated” stories and then uncover exceptions—moments where the problem wasn’t in control. From there, we build richer, more empowering stories about who you are and what’s possible for your future. This process can reduce shame and self-blame, while increasing self-understanding and confidence.
Narrative Therapy can be especially helpful for issues like anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, identity exploration, family conflict, and relationship struggles. It allows you to see your challenges in a new light, reclaim your voice, and move forward with a stronger sense of agency. At its core, this approach helps you rewrite your story in a way that feels more authentic, hopeful, and aligned with the life you want to live.
In my practice, I often integrate Narrative Therapy with other approaches to create the most supportive and effective care for each client. While Narrative Therapy helps you step back from problem-saturated stories and discover new, empowering perspectives, I also draw from modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen relationships, Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand and heal inner parts, and somatic or mindfulness practices to reconnect the mind and body. This integrative approach means we’re not limited to one way of working—we can combine tools to match your comfort level, goals, and unique needs. The result is therapy that is flexible, compassionate, and deeply personalized, helping you create lasting change that feels authentic and sustainable.
Ready to change your story?
Book a free fit check call or session today to start taking control of your narrative.