Seeing the person outside the problem

Narrative Therapy

“The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem.”

A picture of two people sitting on a counselling environemnt. The therapy is holding the client's hand, giving her support.

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy seeks to be a respectful, non-blaming approach to counselling, which centers you as the expert in your own life.

In Narrative Therapy, we see your problems as separate from you. We believe that you have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments, and abilities that will help you reduce the influence that your problems have on your life.

Telling Our Stories in Ways that make us Stronger

The stories we tell about our lives can influence our mental health and well-being.

Narrative Therapy is based on the principle that you can redefine your identity and experiences through the stories you tell. According to Michael White & David Epston - pioneers of narrative therapy - this therapeutic approach helps you externalize your problems, viewing them as separate from your identity, reducing self-blame, and promoting new perspectives to think about your story.

“The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem.”

Benefits of Narrative Therapy

Reducing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Illustration of a lamp shaped brain symbolizing how Narrative therapy improves cognitive function.

Improved Cognitive Function

Illustration of a hand, representing resilience and strenght. One of the benefits of narrative therapy is enhancing psychological resilience

Enhancing Psychological Resilience

Illustration of a hand holding 3 people, representing connection and support. On of the benefits of negative therapy is strenghtened social connections.

Strengthened Social Connections

The Infinite Possibilities of Conversations

The Road Ahead

When we meet with people, we look at each conversation as a journey with countless possibilities. There are many roads ahead, and each road will take us to a different path. Each step we take together opens a path, each with different possible directions. Together we can choose where to go and what to leave behind.

As we explore these paths, we have the freedom to shift directions, revisit previous routes, or stay on the same one for some more time. Each question leads to a different path, and there’s no way to know where the journey will end. There’s no right way to go, only a variety of possible directions to pick from.

A picture of two people sitting on two different chairs. In one chair we can see a counsellor taking notes, and on the other one the hands of the person who's having a counselling session.

We believe that in every story lies the potential for transformation. Our role is to guide you while you explore those hidden narratives so that you can create space for healing and growth.

  • "When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending."

    Brené Brown

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, Narrative Therapy can offer different approaches. Some Narrative Therapy approaches work with individuals, while others focus on families or communities, developing collective methods of healing.
    This diversity makes Narrative Therapy adaptable to many contexts.

  • Narrative Therapy helps people separate themselves from their problems by focusing on the stories they tell about their lives. Through guided conversations, clients can reframe these stories to emphasize their strengths and abilities.

  • No, while Narrative Practitioners challenge the practices that label individuals as the problem, they recognize that medication can be helpful in some situations.

    However, Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers do not prescribe medication or provide diagnoses.

    However, Narrative Practitioners do not and cannot prescribe medication or provide diagnoses.