Narrative Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative Therapy is a counselling approach that focuses on the stories people construct in their lives. Clients focus on identifying alternative, empowering narratives rather than accepting problem-dominated ones. It is often used with individuals, couples, and families dealing with grief, trauma, and intense negative emotions. It is very effective for clients who feel stuck in negative self-perceptions or marginalised by dominant cultural narratives. By rewriting life’s stories, it offers a hopeful and creative way to foster change and reclaiming our identity

Our Approach to Narrative Therapy

In our practice, we don’t use narrative therapy in a strictly textbook way. Instead, we adapt it to honor each person’s unique voice while gently guiding them to uncover hidden strengths and alternative stories.

For clients feeling stuck in negative self-narratives (e.g., “I’m broken,” “I’ll always fail”), we:

Co-author new narratives: “What would ‘Courageous You’ do next?”

Externalize the problem: “How has ‘Anxiety’ been influencing your decisions?”

Explore ‘unique outcomes’: Times when the problem didn’t control them.

FAQs about Narrative Therapy

How does Narrative Therapy work? 

1. Externalisation: The problem is the problem and it is seen as separate from the person. This reduces self-blame and challenges them to relook the dominant negative stories.
   
   E.g., How has ‘Anxiety’ been affecting you? How does Explosive Anger attempt to control your life? You are not depressed but you are struggling with depression.
   
2. Deconstruction: Break down the dominant negative stories.
   
3. Unique Outcomes: Highlighting moments or times when the problem did not control clients.
   E.g. Was there a time that you did not allow depression to take charge of your life?
   
4. Re-authoring: Discover and rewrite alternative stories that highlight their strengths and resilience.

Who developed Narrative Therapy? 

Michael White from Australia, and David Epston from New Zealand developed Narrative Therapy in the 1980s.

Is Narrative Therapy Just Talking About Problems?

No. Unlike traditional therapy that digs into why problems exist, narrative therapy:

• Maps the problem’s influence: “When did ‘Self-Doubt’ first show up?”
• Spotlights resistance: “How have you pushed back against it?”
• Builds preferred identities: “What does ‘Recovery’ look like for you?”

What techniques are used in Narrative Therapy?

• Tree of Life
• Externalisation
• Discovering unique outcomes
• Re-membering conversations
• Therapeutic letters & documentation (e.g. anti-anxiety victory log)
• Rituals & celebrations

What issues can Narrative Therapy help with?

• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma
• Anger
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Family conflicts

How is Narrative Therapy Different From Other therapies?

• Not labelling people as ‘disordered’ or ‘problematic’.
• The therapist is a co-author, not an expert. Clients are viewed as the primary authors of their lives.
• Problems are shaped by language and culture, not merely internal flaws.

Is Narrative Therapy evidence-based?

Yes! Research supports its effectiveness for:

• Empowering marginalised groups
• Improving self-esteem
• Reducing family conflicts
• Trauma recovery

Combining with Other Therapies

• ACT: To align stories with values.
• Trauma Therapy: Processing painful memories as stories.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

• Short-Term: 2-3 sessions
• Long-Term: For deep-seated narratives (e.g., childhood trauma)
• Duration: Typically 50=-60 mins/session

Limitations of Sand-play Therapy

• Not Suitable For: Crisis intervention
• Preference: Some clients prefer direct conversations over storytelling

How to Measure Progress?

• Signs of Improvement:
  • Shifts in language: From “I’m a failure” → “I’m learning.”
  • Behavioral changes aligned with new narratives.
    

Related Approaches