Narrative Therapy
A collaborative, strength-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals re-author their life stories by separating themselves from problems and building healthier, empowering narratives.
A collaborative, strength-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals re-author their life stories by separating themselves from problems and building healthier, empowering narratives.
A snapshot of who this therapy is for and how it works
Trauma, depression, anxiety, identity challenges, addiction recovery, grief, relationship struggles
Weekly · Session length:
50–60 minutes
Individual, Couple, Family, or
Group · In person or Virtual
Often 8–20 sessions, with
ongoing support available
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, family therapy, art therapy, group support
Widely used in trauma recovery and cultural healing, supported by research on empowerment and meaning-making
Narrative Therapy is a therapeutic approach that views people as separate from their problems. Instead of defining someone as “anxious” or “depressed,” the therapy externalizes the issue so clients can respond to it with perspective and choice.
Through guided conversations, storytelling, and reflective exercises, individuals examine the stories they have internalized about themselves and explore alternative narratives grounded in resilience, values, and personal strengths. This process supports deep healing by transforming limiting stories into ones that foster empowerment and hope.
Exploring different approaches to reshaping personal stories
One-on-one sessions exploring personal stories, externalizing problems, and strengthening self-identity.
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Helps partners externalize relational challenges, reduce blame, and co-author healthier patterns of connection.
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Brings families together to rewrite shared stories, reduce conflict, and build collective resilience.
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Uses storytelling, shared dialogue, and community practices to normalize struggles and promote mutual healing.
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Supports survivors in integrating traumatic events into a narrative of strength, survival, and meaning.
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Acknowledges the impact of cultural identity, oppression, and collective narratives on individual wellbeing.
Explore MoreNarrative therapy helps individuals separate themselves from their problems, understand their experiences in a new way, and build empowering personal stories that support recovery, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Reduces shame by separating the person from the issue.
Integrates painful experiences into a meaningful life story.
Encourages compassionate communication and shared healing
Highlights values, abilities, and community resources
Narrative therapy can benefit people facing emotional challenges, trauma, identity shifts, or life transitions by helping them make sense of their experiences and create healthier, more empowering personal narratives.
Individuals navigating trauma, grief, depression, or anxiety
Families experiencing conflict, blame, or intergenerational patterns
Couples wanting to reshape relationship narratives with compassion
People in addiction recovery seeking a healthier, hope-centered life story
Narrative Therapy is collaborative and conversational, with the therapist acting as a facilitator rather than the “expert” on someone’s life. Sessions may include:
The anxiety is showing up today” rather than “I am anxious.
Exploring values, strengths, and alternative life stories
Letters, journaling, creative expression, or therapeutic storytelling
Strengthening connection and reducing isolation
TruPaths highlights Narrative Therapy because it empowers individuals to reclaim their stories. When people are no longer defined by their problems, they gain space to rediscover resilience, dignity, and purpose. This aligns with our philosophy of compassionate, strength centered recovery.
Your story is not finished. Narrative Therapy helps individuals and families re-author their lives with resilience, compassion, and renewed purpose.
Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.
