What is Narrative Therapy?

People make meaning through stories about themselves, their relationships, and what is possible. Difficulties can become attached to identity: “I am broken,” rather than “trauma is affecting my life.” Narrative Therapy creates space between the person and the problem.

The person is not the problem

Narrative therapists often use externalizing conversations. By naming anxiety, shame, conflict, or another concern as something affecting a person—not defining them—it becomes easier to examine its influence and respond with choice.

Finding overlooked knowledge

Problem stories can become so dominant that they hide exceptions, values, relationships, resistance, and skills. Therapy explores moments that do not fit the problem-saturated account and helps develop richer descriptions of identity and possibility.

Context matters

Narrative work pays attention to culture, history, relationships, gender, class, racism, colonialism, ability, sexuality, and other social forces that shape which stories become powerful. It avoids treating every difficulty as an individual defect.

A collaborative posture

The therapist brings questions and a way of listening, but does not claim to be the author of your life. You help choose the direction, language, and preferred outcomes of the conversation.

This article provides general information and is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Discuss your circumstances and treatment options with a qualified professional.