What Does it Mean to See a Narrative Therapist?
Understanding Narrative Therapy: A Guide for Clients
There is a lot of therapy jargon, which can be overwhelming to sort through when looking to start therapy. Web pages list out therapist’s specialties and techniques, but what the heck does it even mean to see a therapist that uses narrative therapy techniques? And as a client, more importantly, how can narrative therapy help you process, heal, or grow? So let’s take a closer look at this approach, how it works, and what you might expect from it.
What Is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that sees life as a series of stories. Instead of viewing problems as inherent issues within you, narrative therapy considers them as separate from who you are. It’s based on the fact that we interpret interactions based on past experiences. We understand our lives through stories, and these stories shape our beliefs, sense of self, our actions, and our relational patterns.
Think of it this way: just like an author writes a book with characters, plots, and themes, you create narratives about your own life. These narratives influence how you see yourself and how you interact with the world. Narrative therapy helps you explore these stories, understand them, and, if needed, rewrite them in a way that supports your well-being and goals.

Key Concepts in Narrative Therapy
1. Externalizing the Problem: In narrative therapy, the problem is seen as separate from the person. For example, if you’re dealing with anxiety, the therapy will focus on understanding “anxiety” as a distinct entity rather than something that defines you. This shift helps you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to tackle the problem. It is easier to tackle something when it doesn’t feel tied to our is on the line.
2. Storytelling and Reauthoring: Narrative therapy involves exploring your existing stories and how they affect your life. It encourages you to identify and challenge the unhelpful narratives you might be living by. By reauthoring these stories, you can create new, more empowering narratives that reflect your values, strengths, and aspirations.
3. Thickening the Plot: This concept involves enriching your narrative by highlighting different aspects of your experience. It’s about adding depth to your story, discovering alternative perspectives, and recognizing the skills and strengths you’ve developed over time.
Unique Outcomes: These are moments or experiences that don’t fit the problem-saturated narrative. By identifying and celebrating these unique outcomes, you can gain a better understanding of your resilience and resourcefulness.
4. Collaborative Process: Narrative therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. It’s not about the therapist telling you what to do; rather, it’s about working together to explore your narratives and find ways to reframe them in a way that aligns with your goals.

How Does Narrative Therapy Work?
In a narrative therapy session, you might start by talking about a specific issue or problem you’re facing. Your therapist will help you explore the story you’ve constructed around this issue. Together, you’ll examine how this narrative affects your life and identify any patterns or beliefs that may be contributing to the problem.
From there, you’ll work on externalizing the problem—viewing it as something separate from yourself. This shift in perspective can make it easier to address and manage. You’ll also look for unique outcomes or instances where things went differently than the problem narrative suggests. These insights can help you start reauthoring your story in a more positive and empowering way.
As a client in narrative therapy, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where your story is valued and respected. Your therapist will help you explore and understand your narratives without dictating solutions. The goal is to empower you to rewrite your story in a way that reflects your values, strengths, aspirations, and relational goals.
You might find that narrative therapy helps you develop a greater sense of agency and confidence. By recognizing the stories you live by and how they impact your life, you’ll be better equipped to make meaningful changes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Is Narrative Therapy Right for You?
Narrative therapy can be particularly effective for individuals who want to explore their life stories, relationships, and gain new perspectives on their experiences. It’s also a good fit if you’re interested in a collaborative, client-centered approach..
If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring and reauthoring your life stories, narrative therapy might be a great fit for you. It’s all about finding a narrative that supports your well-being and helps you achieve your goals.
Reach Out
Remember, therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right approach for you is crucial. If narrative therapy resonates with you, it could be a valuable tool in helping you create the life story you want to live.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’re interested in giving narrative therapy a try. Your story is worth exploring! Please consider finding a therapist here.
Bobbie Jo Barclay

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