Narrative Therapy: Rewriting the Story of Your Life
When you think about your life, what story do you tell yourself? For many people, that story centers around pain, failure, or things they wish they could change. Narrative therapy offers a powerful way to step back, separate yourself from your problems, and rewrite the narrative into one that highlights resilience, growth, and hope.
At The Rosemary Tree, we use narrative therapy as one of many approaches to help individuals heal and see themselves with new eyes.
What Is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on the stories people construct about their lives. These stories shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes, the “problem story” — for example, “I’m broken,” or “I always fail” — becomes so dominant that it hides other important truths.
In narrative therapy, you and your therapist explore these stories together. You learn to identify harmful narratives, challenge them, and begin to tell new ones that highlight your strengths, values, and unique perspective.
How Narrative Therapy Works
Separating the Person from the Problem
Instead of labeling yourself (“I am depressed”), narrative therapy treats the problem as separate from you (“I’m experiencing depression”).
This small shift opens space for change and self-compassion.
Exploring Dominant and Hidden Stories
Everyone has multiple “stories.” Some stories are louder, often shaped by trauma, cultural messages, or negative self-beliefs. Others, quieter ones, reflect courage, creativity, and resilience.
Narrative therapy helps bring those positive, often hidden stories to light.
Re-authoring Your Story
Together with your therapist, you begin rewriting the narrative to better reflect your values, goals, and strengths.
This empowers you to see yourself not as the problem but as the author of change.
Who Can Benefit from Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy can be helpful for many people, including those experiencing:
Anxiety and depression
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem or identity struggles
Trauma and its lasting effects
Relationship challenges
Feeling “stuck” in negative patterns
Because it’s highly collaborative and non-pathologizing, narrative therapy can be especially powerful for those who don’t want to feel “labeled” by a diagnosis but still need meaningful support.
Why Choose Narrative Therapy?
Empowering: You’re seen as the expert on your own life.
Non-judgmental: Focuses on separating you from your problems.
Creative: Encourages curiosity, storytelling, and even writing or art as tools.
Flexible: Can be integrated with other therapies such as CBT, ACT, or art therapy.
Is Narrative Therapy Right for You?
If you feel weighed down by negative self-beliefs or trapped by stories of the past, narrative therapy may help you step into a new perspective. At The Rosemary Tree, our therapists are trained in multiple approaches and will help you explore whether narrative therapy alone—or combined with other modalities—is the right fit for your journey.
Final Thoughts
Your story isn’t finished. Narrative therapy gives you tools to examine old chapters, lift up forgotten strengths, and write new ones. If you’re ready to change the way you see yourself and your life, our team is here to help.
