Narrative Therapy Overview
My Approach: Narrative Therapy for Growth and Empowerment
My approach to therapy is grounded in trust, collaboration, and growth, using the principles of Narrative Therapy. This style of therapy helps people regain control of their lives by focusing on the stories they carry and the meaning they give to their experiences (Wallis et al., 2011).
In Narrative Therapy, you are encouraged to become—and fully embrace being—the expert of your own life. The stories we carry about ourselves, our abilities, relationships, and work shape how we see the world and our place in it. Narrative Therapy helps you explore these stories, uncover patterns, and make room for new perspectives that better reflect your strengths and values.
Developed in the 1980s by New Zealand-based therapists Michael White and David Epston, Narrative Therapy is designed to be empowering and non-blaming (Hutto & Gallagher, 2017). Rather than labeling someone as “broken” or seeing challenges as personal failings, this approach emphasizes understanding, growth, and self-empowerment.
Although it is a relatively newer therapeutic approach, research suggests Narrative Therapy can be helpful for a variety of mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety
Attachment-related difficulties
ADHD
Depression
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Substance use disorders
PTSD
It can also be valuable for anyone feeling overwhelmed by negative experiences, thoughts, or emotions, helping them break free from unhelpful patterns and reconnect with their sense of agency.
Benefits of Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is built on the belief that you are more than the challenges you face. Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong,” it offers a compassionate and empowering space to explore your life experiences. Key principles include:
Respect and compassion
Therapy is a safe space where your courage is honored, and your experiences are treated with respect and empathy.
A non-blaming approach
This therapy avoids placing blame—on yourself or others. Instead, it focuses on identifying unhelpful stories and gently reshaping them in healthier ways.
You are the expert on your life
The therapist acts as a collaborative partner, not an authority. You bring the lived experience, and together we explore what matters most to you.
Creating space for new stories
Narrative Therapy helps identify dominant, limiting stories and opens the door to new perspectives that reflect growth, resilience, and your true values.
At its core, Narrative Therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about reconnecting with your strengths, clarifying what matters most, and stepping into a more empowering understanding of your life.
My goal as a therapist is to foster insight, help clients identify destructive thoughts and behaviors, and support them in building the life they deserve—one that aligns with their values, strengths, and potential.
