Narrative Therapy
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative and empowering approach that views people as separate from their problems. Instead of labelling you as “anxious,” “depressed,” or “stuck,” Narrative Therapy helps you re-author your story so that challenges no longer define who you are.
This approach recognises that the stories we tell ourselves (and that others tell about us) shape how we see the world. By uncovering alternative perspectives, Narrative Therapy helps you build resilience, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of identity.
How Can Narrative Therapy Help You?
Narrative Therapy is particularly effective for:
- Children, teens, and families facing challenges
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma recovery
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Low self-esteem and identity concerns
- Life transitions and adjustment issues
What to Expect in Narrative Therapy Sessions
In our sessions, you will:
- Externalise the problem – separating the issue (e.g., “anxiety”) from your identity
- Explore alternative stories – identifying strengths, skills, and values that support growth
- Challenge limiting narratives – examining cultural, family, or social influences that may be shaping your self-view
- Re-author your story – developing empowering narratives that highlight your resilience and agency
This process creates space for new meanings, healthier patterns, and renewed self-belief.
Benefits of Narrative Therapy
With Narrative Therapy, you may:
- Gain distance from problems so they no longer define you
- Build confidence and self-worth
- Heal from trauma by creating new meaning
- Strengthen personal values and identity
- Improve relationships by shifting unhelpful patterns
- Increase hope and future focus
If you’d like to break free from limiting stories and discover a more empowering way of seeing yourself, Narrative Therapy can help.
The Evidence for Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy has growing empirical support, particularly for trauma, depression, and identity development:
- A meta-analysis found that narrative therapy appears to have a significant effect on depressive symptoms in adults with somatic disorders.
- Collection of evidence for the effectiveness of narrative therapy.
- Research highlights its effectiveness in working with trauma survivors, especially in helping people make meaning and regain control after adversity.
FAQ’s about Narrative Therapy
How is Narrative Therapy different from traditional therapy?
Unlike approaches that focus on diagnosis, Narrative Therapy emphasises your strengths, values, and preferred identity rather than seeing you as the “problem.”
Is Narrative Therapy suitable for children and teens?
Yes. Narrative Therapy is highly effective with young people, helping them build resilience, identity, and confidence in an age-appropriate way.
How long does Narrative Therapy take?
It varies. Some clients benefit in just a few sessions, while others use Narrative Therapy as part of ongoing personal growth.
Can I combine Narrative Therapy with other approaches?
Absolutely, Narrative Therapy works well alongside CBT, ACT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based methods.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.