At Strength Counselling, we believe every person’s story matters and deserves to be heard with compassion and respect. The experiences, relationships, and challenges you’ve faced all contribute to the narrative you carry, shaping how you view yourself, your abilities, and your place in the world. Sometimes, these stories help us grow, but at other times, they can hold us back, especially when they become dominated by self-doubt, pain, or limiting beliefs. That’s where Narrative Therapy comes in.
Narrative Therapy is a powerful, client-centred approach that empowers individuals, couples, and families to explore, understand, and reshape the stories they tell about themselves and their lives. By working with a skilled therapist, you can begin to identify the patterns and themes that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, discovering where these narratives originated and how they impact your present well-being. This process isn’t about denying the difficulties you’ve faced, but rather about finding new meaning, highlighting your strengths, and reclaiming your sense of agency.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, Narrative Therapy offers a supportive space to re-examine your story and envision new possibilities. But what exactly is Narrative Therapy, and how can it support your mental health journey? Let’s take a closer look at how this approach can help you rewrite your story and move forward with confidence and hope.
WHAT IS NARRATIVE THERAPY?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to counselling that centres around the stories we construct about our experiences, identities, and relationships. Developed in the 1980s by Michael White and David Epston, Narrative Therapy helps clients separate themselves from their problems and view challenges as external influences, not fixed parts of who they are.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF NARRATIVE THERAPY
People are not their problems: Instead of labeling someone as “anxious” or “depressed,” Narrative Therapy focuses on how anxiety or depression impacts their life, allowing for new perspectives and possibilities.
Stories shape our reality: The way we interpret events and relationships influences our emotions, behaviours, and self-image.
Collaboration is essential: The therapist and client work together as equals to uncover, deconstruct, and rewrite unhelpful or limiting narratives.
HOW DOES NARRATIVE THERAPY WORK?
Narrative Therapy involves several core techniques designed to empower clients and foster positive change:
Externalization: The therapist helps clients “separate” the problem from themselves. For example, instead of saying “I am anxious,” a client might say, “Anxiety is affecting my life.” This shift reduces shame and self-blame.
Exploring Dominant Narratives: We all develop “dominant stories” based on our experiences, culture, and relationships. Sometimes, these narratives are limiting (“I always fail,” “I’m not good enough”). Narrative Therapy invites clients to examine where these stories come from and how they impact daily life.
Uncovering Alternative Stories: Together, the therapist and client look for “unique outcomes”, times when the problem was less influential or when the client acted in ways that challenge the dominant story. These alternative narratives can foster hope and highlight strengths.
Re-authoring: Clients are encouraged to “rewrite” their stories, emphasizing resilience, agency, and preferred values. This process can lead to meaningful change and a renewed sense of identity.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM NARRATIVE THERAPY?
Narrative Therapy is highly effective for individuals, couples, and families navigating a diverse range of mental health and life challenges. It can support those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, identity and self-esteem issues, addiction, and family conflict.
By focusing on the stories we tell ourselves, Narrative Therapy empowers clients to recognize and reframe patterns that may be holding them back. This approach is particularly valuable for anyone who feels “stuck” in negative cycles or self-beliefs, offering a pathway to new perspectives, greater self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of personal strengths and values. Through collaborative exploration and the re-authoring of life narratives, clients can rediscover hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of agency as they move forward.
WHY CHOOSE NARRATIVE THERAPY AT STRENGTH COUNSELLING?
At Strength Counselling, our therapists are extensively trained in Narrative Therapy as well as a range of other evidence-based approaches, ensuring that every client receives the highest standard of care. We pride ourselves on fostering a safe, inclusive environment where all individuals feel respected and valued, our team reflects the rich diversity of Canada and is deeply committed to welcoming clients from every background, including those in the LGBTQ community.
Each session is thoughtfully personalized, focusing on your unique story, strengths, and goals, so that you receive care that is truly tailored to your individual needs and experiences. With our digital-first model, you can conveniently access Narrative Therapy from anywhere in Canada through secure, confidential virtual sessions, making support accessible no matter where you live.
Understanding that financial circumstances vary, we offer flexible sliding scale pricing and a low-cost program to ensure that high-quality counselling is available to everyone who needs it. At Strength Counselling, your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to making compassionate, effective mental health support accessible and responsive to all.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A NARRATIVE THERAPY SESSION
During Narrative Therapy sessions at Strength Counselling, you can expect an open and supportive conversation where you are encouraged to share your experiences at your own pace. Your therapist will gently guide you through the exploration of both dominant and alternative stories in your life, helping you gain new perspectives on the challenges you face. The process is highly collaborative, with you and your therapist working together to identify meaningful goals, clarify the changes you wish to see, and highlight the values that are most important to you.
To support your journey, your therapist may introduce practical strategies such as writing exercises, journaling prompts, or other creative techniques designed to help you re-author your story and reinforce positive change. These tools not only foster greater self-awareness and resilience but also empower you to actively participate in shaping your own narrative, making the therapeutic experience both empowering and transformative. At every step, our goal is to ensure you feel heard, respected, and equipped with practical resources to support your growth beyond the therapy session.
You are more than your struggles. At Strength Counselling, we’re here to help you reclaim your narrative and move toward healing and growth.
Ready to begin? Contact us today to book a consultation or your first session.