Narrative Therapy

Are you tired of feeling stuck in the same old story? Do you find yourself replaying negative narratives in your mind, unable to break free from their grasp? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with the weight of our past experiences, while trying to find a way forward. But what if we told you there's a method to rewrite your story, to transform it into one of empowerment and resilience? Enter Narrative Exposure Therapy, aka (NET), aka Narrative Therapy.

Narrative Therapy is not just about talking through your problems; it's about reshaping the way you view yourself and your experiences. It reemphasizes that your identity isn't determined by your past but by the narratives you construct around it.

Narrative Therapy can help you to unravel the threads of your experiences, examine them from different angles, and weave them into a new, more empowering tale.

Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling empowers individuals to reframe the stories they hold about their lives, fostering new perspectives and meaningful change. Developed in the 1980s by Michael White and David Epston, it’s grounded in the understanding that the stories we tell shape our sense of self and the way we navigate the world. In Narrative Therapy, you and your therapist work together to examine and re-author the dominant narratives connected to experiences such as trauma, depression, or relationship challenges.

Central to Narrative Therapy is the principle of externalization, which means seeing the problem as something separate from who you are. This perspective creates space to view your challenges with greater clarity and compassion, making it possible to move beyond old patterns. Through guided storytelling, you’ll have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate your strengths, values, and hopes—opening the door to new possibilities and more authentic self-understanding. Narrative Therapy is a supportive, strengths-based approach that honours your unique journey, encouraging growth and healing at your own pace.

Through Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling, you can find clarity, reshape your story, and gain the perspective needed to move through life’s challenges with renewed strength and resilience.

Unresolved Trauma

Narrative Therapy offers a safe space for individuals to explore their traumatic experiences and reconstruct their narratives in a way that promotes healing and resilience.

Depression and Anxiety

By viewing challenges from a new angle and reshaping your story, Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling helps you gently question unhelpful thought patterns and discover more empowering, compassionate perspectives on your experiences.

Increased-Relationship-Conflict-and-Dissatisfaction

Relationship Difficulties

Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling offers couples and families a safe, supportive space to reflect on the stories that shape their relationships—encouraging deeper empathy, open communication, and greater mutual understanding.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Whether facing identity issues, life transitions, or existential questions, Narrative Therapy provides a framework for individuals to explore their values, strengths, and aspirations, leading to greater self-awareness and fulfillment.

ACT Therapy Component - Values Clarification

Addressing Societal or Cultural Narratives

Narrative Therapy can help challenge limiting societal stories, providing a supportive space for you to reclaim your voice, embrace your agency, and work toward meaningful social change.

The effectiveness of Narrative Therapy has been supported by research and clinical practice, while outcomes will naturally vary based on personal needs and the issues being explored. Research and real-world experience have shown that Narrative Therapy can help individuals across diverse backgrounds find meaningful progress and positive change.

A core strength of Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling is its collaborative and empowering focus—encouraging you to be an active participant in shaping your story and building new possibilities. By working together to externalize concerns, question limiting beliefs, and highlight your existing strengths and resources, this approach opens up new perspectives, practical coping strategies, and deeper self-understanding.

It’s important to remember that every person’s journey is unique, and the impact of therapy depends on your goals, context, and the relationship you build with your therapist. For many, Narrative Therapy can be a supportive, effective path for healing and personal growth—especially when guided by a caring and experienced professional dedicated to your well-being.

Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling offers a variety of supportive techniques to help you reshape your story and foster healing. These techniques include:

Externalization: Together, we’ll separate the problem from your sense of self, helping you view challenges as issues to be addressed—not as defining characteristics. This creates space for greater understanding, reduces self-blame, and empowers you to approach difficulties with compassion.

Deconstructing Dominant Narratives: We encourage you to gently question the dominant stories that may shape your experience—whether personal, cultural, or societal. By exploring these narratives, you can uncover the influences behind your struggles and open yourself to new, more hopeful perspectives.

Reauthoring: With the guidance of our therapists, you’ll have the opportunity to reframe and rewrite your own story—focusing on your strengths, inner resources, and moments of resilience. This collaborative process supports the creation of new, empowering narratives that reflect your true values and aspirations.

Externalizing Conversations: Through conversation, we give voice to your challenges, treating them as external to your identity. By exploring your relationship with these difficulties, you can find fresh ways to respond, challenge negative beliefs, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.

Recognizing Unique Outcomes: Narrative Therapy also highlights those moments when you’ve responded to challenges in positive or unexpected ways. By celebrating these unique outcomes, you can nurture hope, reinforce your sense of agency, and build resilience for the future.

Through these compassionate techniques, you can gain meaningful insight into your experiences, gently question limiting beliefs, and discover new ways of understanding yourself and your challenges. By reshaping your narrative, you open the possibility for more empowering stories that nurture healing, growth, and overall well-being.

At Trillium Counselling, our therapists serve as trusted guides—helping you navigate your thoughts and emotions with empathy and skill, and offering practical strategies to support mindfulness and self-acceptance. Together, we’ll develop tools and skills that allow you to relate to your thoughts in healthier, more productive ways, strengthening your resilience and setting a foundation for lasting positive change.

Therapy works best when the 'fit' is right with your therapist. That’s why we carefully match you with someone whose expertise fits your needs and preferences. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to creating a supportive and effective experience.

Before meeting your therapist, you’ll complete a brief intake form. Your first 50‑minute session focuses on what brings you in, your goals, relevant history, and what success would look like. We’ll explain confidentiality and co‑create a plan so you know what comes next. It’s normal to feel nervous—your therapist will guide the pace.

The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many people start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments and adjust as they make progress. The total number of sessions is unique to you—your therapist will work with you to find the right approach.

Narrative Therapy at Trillium Counselling is a collaborative, story-centered approach that empowers you to examine and reshape the way you understand your life and experiences. Rather than seeing yourself as the problem, this perspective invites you to separate from your challenges and discover new opportunities for growth.

During your sessions, your therapist will:

- Welcome you to share your story in your own words, honoring your unique perspective.

- Gently explore together how certain narratives may be holding you back or limiting your self-view.

- Help you recognize and celebrate strengths, values, and abilities that may have gone unnoticed.

- Support you in re-authoring your narrative so it feels more empowering and better reflects the person you aspire to be.

As you move forward, Narrative Therapy offers a path to lighten the burden of problems and nurture a more hopeful, meaningful sense of self.

Most of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies with every plan, so please check your specific plan or contact your provider to confirm your benefits.

Most employer benefits cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) or a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We can direct bill to most major insurers when your plan allows it; otherwise, we email insurance‑ready receipts after your session.

Overcome Mental Struggles by Rewriting Your Story for Positive Change

What is Narrative Therapy?

Who Can Benefit from Narrative Therapy?

Unresolved Trauma

Depression and Anxiety

Relationship Difficulties

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Addressing Societal or Cultural Narratives

Lets us Help you Find the Right Match

Right Therapist, Right Plan, Real Support

Is Narrative Therapy Effective?

Narrative Therapy reshapes the challenges of personal struggles into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guiding individuals toward reconstructing their narratives and finding peace within their lives.

How can Narrative Therapy help?

FAQs

How do you match me with the right therapist?

What happens in my first session?

How many sessions will I need, and how often will we meet?

What can I expect in narrative therapy?

Is therapy covered by my benefits?

Not sure yet? Let’s talk it through.

About

Life Issues

Therapy Methods

Contact