Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy
What is it?
Narrative therapy is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to counselling that explores the stories we develop about ourselves, our relationships and our experiences. These stories can shape how we understand who we are, what we believe is possible and how we respond to challenges.
Sometimes, difficult experiences, criticism or expectations from others can leave us feeling defined by a problem—for example, “I’m a failure” or “I’ll never be good enough.” Narrative therapy helps you explore these beliefs, understand where they come from and recognise the parts of your life they may overlook.
A central principle is that you are the person experiencing the problem; the problem does not define who you are. Your psychologist works alongside you to explore your knowledge, strengths, values and hopes, helping you develop a fuller understanding of yourself and the direction you would like your life to take.
What conditions is it used to support?
Narrative therapy can form part of psychological support for people experiencing anxiety, depression and emotional distress. It provides a way to explore how these difficulties affect everyday life, relationships and the way you see yourself.
Narrative approaches are also used with people and communities responding to trauma and adversity, with an emphasis on recognising their responses, resources and sources of connection.
You do not need a diagnosis to explore narrative therapy. It may appeal to you if you feel stuck in a particular story about yourself, want to reconnect with what matters to you, or would like space to explore your identity and experiences. Your psychologist will discuss whether this approach suits your needs and how it may fit into your broader therapy plan.
What to expect at your appointment:
Understanding Your Story:
Your psychologist will invite you to share what has brought you to therapy, how you understand your experiences and what you would like to be different. You can decide what feels important to discuss and move at a pace that feels manageable.
Separating Yourself from the Problem:
Through a process called “externalising,” you may explore the difficulty as something influencing your life. For example, “I am an anxious person” might become “Anxiety is making it difficult for me to speak up.” This can create space to examine its effects and how you would like to respond.
Exploring Where Beliefs Come From:
Together, you may consider how relationships, family expectations, culture and social messages have shaped the stories you carry. This includes exploring whether those messages reflect your own values and experiences.
Recognising Overlooked Strengths and Experiences:
Your psychologist may ask about times when the problem had less influence, or when you acted in ways that reflected your values. These experiences can reveal abilities, connections and possibilities that a problem-focused story has left out.
Developing a Fuller Story:
Sometimes called “re-authoring,” this involves connecting these experiences to build a richer understanding of your identity. Your difficulties remain part of your experience, alongside your strengths, commitments, relationships and hopes for the future.
Taking Your Insights into Everyday Life:
You may identify small, meaningful actions that support your preferred direction. If helpful, reflection, writing or therapeutic letters can help you carry important conversations beyond the session. These activities are discussed collaboratively and adapted to your preferences.
Explore Narrative Therapy at Immersive Psychology Group
Looking for narrative therapy in Perth or Subiaco, or interested in online counselling across Australia? Contact Immersive Psychology Group to discuss your needs and ask about a our Subiaco psychologists and our online Sydney Psychologists who incorporate narrative approaches.
Our practice offers in-person appointments in Subiaco and Telehealth psychology Australia-wide, supporting access for people in metropolitan, rural and remote communities. All of our Perth Psychologists are trained in some or all CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR, parts work, IFS, and use a range of these to inform their therapeutic style and support children, adolescents, and adults with trauma, PTSD, cPTSD, eating disorders as well as ADHD diagnosis and Autism diagnosis.
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