Narrative Therapy in Calgary

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What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy that helps people understand their lives through the stories they tell about themselves. This approach is based on the idea that our identities are shaped by experiences, relationships, culture, and messages we’ve received over time. Sometimes, these stories become narrow or problem-focused (for example, “I’m a failure” or “I’m broken”), which can make it hard to see other parts of ourselves. Narrative therapy is relevant because it helps people step back from these limiting stories and create new ones that feel more accurate, empowering, and hopeful.

In practice, a narrative therapist helps you separate yourself from the problem, instead of seeing the problem as who you are. The problem becomes the problem, not you. Therapy involves exploring how certain stories developed, what keeps them going, and where there are exceptions or overlooked strengths. Over time, people begin to reconnect with their values, abilities, and preferred ways of living, allowing them to author new stories that better reflect who they are and who they want to be.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in negative self-beliefs, defined by past experiences, or overwhelmed by a problem that feels all-consuming, narrative therapy can help you with the process of regaining a sense of agency and clarity.

What Issues Can Narrative Therapy Help With?

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Low self-esteem or negative self-image

  • Trauma and the impact of past experiences

  • Identity concerns and life transitions

  • Relationship challenges

  • Grief and loss

  • Feeling “stuck” or defined by a problem or diagnosis

  • Exploring values, meaning, and personal goals

Who can benefit from narrative therapy?

  • People experiencing anxiety or depression

  • Individuals navigating trauma or difficult life experiences

  • Those who feel defined by past events, diagnoses, or labels

  • People exploring identity (cultural, racial, LGBTQ+, or personal)

  • Individuals with low self-esteem or a strong inner critic

  • Neurodivergent individuals (including ADHD or Autism)

  • Teens and young adults navigating life transitions and expectations

  • Couples or families experiencing ongoing conflict patterns

  • People struggling with relationship or communication challenges

  • Individuals processing immigration, relocation, or displacement experiences

  • Those seeking a non-pathologizing, strengths-based approach to therapy

  • Anyone wanting to reconnect with their values, agency, and personal story

Too Long, Didn’t Read:

Narrative therapy helps people separate themselves from their problems and reshape the stories they tell about their lives. It focuses on strengths, values, and choice, helping people feel more empowered and in control of their story.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • There’s no set timeline. Narrative therapy can be short-term or longer-term, depending on your goals and what you’re hoping to explore. Some people notice shifts in perspective early on, while others prefer ongoing work.

  • No. While it’s commonly used in individual therapy, narrative therapy can also be helpful for couples, families, and even children. It can support people in understanding shared stories and changing unhelpful patterns together.

  • Rather than focusing on diagnosis or “fixing” what’s wrong, narrative therapy emphasizes meaning, context, and strengths. It views people as the experts in their own lives and works collaboratively to build new perspectives.

  • Not at all. Narrative therapy isn’t about writing or telling stories perfectly. Rather, it’s about exploring experiences in a way that feels natural to you. Your therapist helps guide the conversation and make sense of things together.

Our Narrative Therapists in Calgary