Narrative therapy is a respectful, non-blaming approach that helps people rewrite their life stories. It's built on the idea that our identities are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves and others. When we feel stuck or overwhelmed, it's often because a dominant, unhelpful story has taken over. This therapy works to separate the person from the problem, allowing them to see the problem as an external entity they can work against. By doing this, clients are empowered to take back control of their own narrative.

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A core technique in this therapy is externalizing the problem. Instead of saying, "I am an anxious person," you might say, "Anxiety is affecting me." This simple shift in language creates a crucial distance between you and the issue, making it less defining and more manageable. The therapist then helps you deconstruct the unhelpful stories you have adopted, questioning their origins and authority. By looking for "unique outcomes"—moments when the problem wasn't present—you can uncover hidden strengths and skills that were overshadowed by the dominant story.

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The ultimate goal is to co-author a new, preferred life story that emphasizes your values, strengths, and goals. By collecting these unique outcomes and weaving them into a new narrative, you can create a more empowering and fulfilling identity. Narrative therapy helps you not only to change your story but to also to change how you see yourself, giving you a greater sense of agency and hope for the future.