Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a collaborative, non-blaming approach based on the idea that problems are separate from people. Our identities are shaped by the stories we tell about ourselves and the meanings we give to experiences. Sometimes these stories become dominated by problems—often influenced by cultural messages, family expectations, or trauma—leaving us feeling stuck or defined by difficulties.

Through collaborative questioning, we explore how certain narratives became dominant while other important parts of your story were marginalized. Together we identify alternative storylines that existed all along—moments of strength or values-aligned action—and work to re-author your identity by thickening these preferred narratives.

What is Narrative Therapy?

At its core, Narrative Therapy views you as the author of your life story. Problems are not seen as part of your identity but as external influences that can be explored, challenged, and reshaped. This approach allows you to shift perspective and regain a sense of control.

Through this process, you can:

Recognize that you are not the problem—the problem is the problem.
Explore how dominant, unhelpful stories have shaped your self-view.
Identify exceptions—times when the problem did not define you.
Reconnect with your personal values, hopes, and strengths.

Key Techniques in Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy uses gentle yet powerful strategies to help you create meaningful change:

Externalizing the Problem: Instead of saying “I am anxious,” you might say “Anxiety is showing up in my life.” This creates distance, making the problem feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Deconstructing Stories: Together, you’ll examine where unhelpful narratives came from and how they gained influence over your life.
Exploring Unique Outcomes: Highlighting moments when the problem wasn’t in control—revealing hidden strengths and skills that can guide your new story.
Re-authoring Your Life: Co-creating a more empowering narrative that reflects your values, goals, and preferred identity.

Who Can Benefit from Narrative Therapy?

Narrative Therapy can be especially supportive for individuals, couples, and families navigating:

Anxiety, stress, or depression
Grief, trauma, or loss
Relationship struggles
Self-esteem or identity challenges
Life transitions or feelings of being “stuck”

This approach is highly adaptable and particularly effective for people who want to reconnect with their personal agency and create change from a place of empowerment.

Assessment, goal-setting, and your personalized plan.

The Goal: Rewriting Your Story

Narrative Therapy is not just about problem-solving—it’s about transformation. By uncovering overlooked strengths and shifting how you see yourself, you can write a new story that emphasizes resilience, growth, and possibility.

The outcome is a renewed sense of hope and direction, empowering you to live a life that feels authentic and aligned with your values.

Summary

Narrative Therapy; You Are Not Your Diagnosis

If you feel defined by what happened to you, or you want to rewrite your story rather than being stuck in it, narrative therapy offers a way to separate who you are from the problem you are carrying. Developed by Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy is supported by clinical research as effective for trauma, grief, depression, and identity-related distress.

Sean Lewis has lived a life of continuous re-authoring; from military service to trades ownership to pastoral ministry to counselling. His years at the Mustard Seed Street Church in Victoria were built on honouring every person’s story with dignity, regardless of how society had written them off.

Narrative therapy techniques include externalization, which helps you see the problem as separate from your identity, and re-authoring, which builds a story rooted in your strengths and values rather than your worst chapter. Sean uses narrative therapy across his practice, particularly for trauma, grief, family of origin work, and relational patterns.

Sean offers narrative therapy in Victoria, BC, from his Colwood practice, with virtual sessions across British Columbia. Sessions are covered by most extended health plans through the CCPA. Book a session.