Narrative Therapy
Rewriting the stories we tell ourselves and discovering new possibilities.
The experiences we have throughout life can shape the way we see ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. Over time, these experiences can influence the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we are capable of and what we believe is possible.
Sometimes, difficult experiences can become such a significant part of our story that they begin to overshadow our strengths, values, hopes and achievements.
Narrative Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these stories, understand how they have developed and consider alternative ways of viewing ourselves and our experiences.
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla Fadelli draws on Narrative Therapy to help individuals develop new perspectives, recognise their personal strengths and create a greater sense of possibility for the future.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative and respectful psychological approach that explores the stories people develop about themselves and their lives.
It is based on the understanding that the meaning we give to our experiences can influence our identity, relationships, decisions and emotional wellbeing.
A central principle of Narrative Therapy is that the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem.
Rather than defining someone by their difficulties, Narrative Therapy helps separate the person from the challenges they are experiencing.
For example, there is a difference between seeing yourself as an anxious person and recognising that anxiety is something you are experiencing.
This distinction can create space to explore your experiences with greater compassion, identify your existing strengths and consider different ways of responding to life's challenges.
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The stories we develop about ourselves are often influenced by our childhood experiences, family relationships, culture, significant life events and the messages we receive from others.
Sometimes, difficult experiences can lead us to develop beliefs that become limiting over time.
You might notice patterns such as:
Feeling defined by past mistakes or difficult experiences.
Believing you are not good enough or capable of change.
Seeing yourself primarily through the expectations of others.
Feeling stuck in familiar patterns or relationship roles.
Focusing on perceived failures while overlooking personal achievements.
Struggling to recognise your strengths or personal qualities.
Allowing past experiences to influence how you approach the future.
Feeling that your circumstances define who you are.
Narrative Therapy helps explore where these beliefs and stories have come from and whether they continue to reflect the person you are and want to become.
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Narrative Therapy involves exploring the stories that have shaped your understanding of yourself and your experiences.
Rather than focusing only on problems or difficulties, therapy also looks for moments, experiences and personal qualities that may have been overlooked.
Some of the key processes include:
1. Separating the person from the problem
Learning to view difficulties as something you are experiencing rather than something that defines who you are.
This can help reduce self-blame and create a different relationship with challenges such as anxiety, stress, self-doubt or relationship difficulties.
2. Exploring personal stories
Reflecting on the experiences, relationships and messages that have influenced how you see yourself.
This can help identify beliefs and recurring themes that may be shaping your current experiences.
3. Identifying unique outcomes
Recognising moments when a problem has not had the same influence or when you have responded differently than expected.
These experiences can reveal strengths, abilities and alternative stories that may not have received much attention.
4. Recognising strengths and values
Exploring the personal qualities, values, skills and relationships that are important to you.
This helps create a broader understanding of your identity beyond the difficulties you may be facing.
5. Developing alternative stories
Considering different ways of understanding your experiences and creating a more balanced story that reflects your strengths, hopes and personal values.
6. Moving forward with a renewed perspective
Identifying how these new perspectives can influence your choices, relationships and goals moving forward.
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Narrative Therapy may be helpful for individuals experiencing:
Anxiety, stress or emotional difficulties.
Low self-esteem or negative self-beliefs.
Difficulties with identity or self-understanding.
Relationship and family challenges.
The emotional impact of significant life events.
Grief, loss or major life transitions.
Feelings of being stuck in familiar patterns.
Self-criticism, shame or guilt.
Difficulties making sense of past experiences.
A desire to reconnect with personal strengths and values.
It can also be helpful for people who want to better understand their personal stories, explore their identity and develop a more empowering perspective on their lives.
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Narrative Therapy is a collaborative process. Sessions provide a supportive space to explore your experiences without judgement and consider how the stories you hold about yourself may be influencing your present circumstances.
Depending on your individual needs and therapy goals, sessions may involve:
Exploring significant life experiences and personal history.
Identifying beliefs and stories that may be limiting your sense of possibility.
Separating personal identity from emotional or behavioural difficulties.
Recognising overlooked strengths, achievements and moments of resilience.
Exploring personal values and what matters most to you.
Developing alternative perspectives on challenging experiences.
Identifying meaningful ways to move forward.
The process is guided by your experiences, preferences and goals. There is no expectation to retell every difficult experience or view your past in a particular way.
The aim is to help you develop a broader and more balanced understanding of yourself and your life.
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One of the most meaningful ideas in Narrative Therapy is that our problems do not have to define our identity or determine our future.
For example, someone who has experienced repeated relationship difficulties may begin to believe they are simply bad at relationships. Through therapy, they may begin to recognise the values they bring to relationships, the boundaries they are learning to establish and the ways they have demonstrated care, courage and resilience.
These alternative perspectives do not dismiss difficult experiences. Instead, they help create a fuller picture of who you are.
By recognising that there can be more than one way to understand your story, you can begin to create space for new possibilities and meaningful change.
A personalised approach to therapy
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla recognises that every person's story is unique.
Narrative Therapy may be incorporated alongside other therapeutic approaches, depending on your individual circumstances, experiences and therapy goals.
Sessions offer an opportunity to explore your experiences at your own pace, develop greater self-understanding and reconnect with the qualities and values that are important to you.
The aim is not to erase the past or pretend difficult experiences did not happen, but to help you understand them within the broader context of your life.
Interested in exploring Narrative Therapy?
Your experiences are an important part of your story, but they do not have to define everything that comes next.
If you would like to explore your personal experiences, develop a greater understanding of yourself and consider new ways forward, Carla welcomes you to get in touch.