What Narrative Therapy Actually Means
- Jill Hall
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12
If you’ve been reading about counselling approaches, you may have come across the term narrative therapy.
For some people, the phrase sounds abstract. For others, it feels intriguing but unclear.
At its core, narrative therapy is built on a simple but powerful idea:
People are not the problem. The problems people face are the problem.
This approach invites curiosity about the stories we carry about ourselves and our lives — and how those stories have been shaped by our experiences, relationships, and environments.
The Stories We Carry
All of us make meaning of our lives through stories.
Sometimes those stories develop slowly over time. Other times they form in response to painful or difficult experiences.
You might find yourself holding beliefs such as:
• “I’m not good enough.”
• “I always mess things up.”
• “I’m too much.”
• “I should be able to handle this on my own.”
Narrative therapy doesn’t assume those stories are the full picture.
Instead, it gently explores how those narratives formed and what other parts of your story may have been overlooked.
Often there are strengths, values, and acts of resilience that have been overshadowed by the dominant problem story.
Separating People from Problems
One of the central ideas in narrative therapy is externalizing the problem.
Instead of viewing anxiety, grief, or shame as something that defines you, the problem is seen as something that affects your life but does not define who you are.
For example, instead of saying: “I am an anxious person.”
Narrative therapy might explore: “How has anxiety been influencing your life lately?”
This small shift creates space for curiosity rather than self-blame.
It also opens the possibility that your relationship with the problem can change.
Therapy as a Collaborative Conversation
In narrative therapy, the therapist does not position themselves as the expert on your life.
You are.
The therapist’s role is to ask thoughtful questions that help bring forward the parts of your story that may not have had as much space before — your values, intentions, hopes, and moments of strength.
Together, we explore how the problem has been shaping your life and what alternative possibilities might already exist.
Making Space for New Possibilities
When people begin to look at their experiences through a narrative lens, something important often happens.
The story becomes larger.
Instead of a single problem-focused narrative, people begin to notice moments that contradict that story — times they showed courage, care, persistence, or resistance.
Narrative therapy helps those moments become more visible and meaningful.
Over time, this can allow new stories about identity, agency, and possibility to emerge.
Narrative Therapy & Trauma-Informed Practice
Narrative therapy often overlaps with trauma-informed practice. Both approaches recognize that people’s responses make sense in the context of what they have lived through. Rather than focusing on what is “wrong,” the work centers on understanding experiences, honoring resilience, and creating a space where stories can be explored safely and at your own pace.
If you're curious to learn more about this perspective, you may also find my blog What Trauma-Informed Counselling Actually Means helpful.
Narrative Therapy in Practice
Narrative therapy can be helpful for many experiences, including:
• anxiety
• grief and loss
• trauma
• identity exploration
• relationship challenges
• life transitions
Rather than focusing on diagnosing problems, the work centers on understanding how those experiences have shaped your story and how you would like your story to continue unfolding.
If you're still wondering whether counselling might be right for you, you may find my blog How to Know If It’s Time to Start Counselling helpful.
Narrative Therapy in Chilliwack, BC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, my work is influenced by narrative therapy and grounded in trauma-informed practice.
I offer counselling in Chilliwack, BC for youth (12+), adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
If you’re curious about whether this approach might feel like a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out or book a free 15-minute consultation.
You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly formed story.
We can begin wherever you are.
About Jill Hall, RCC, RSW
Jill Hall is a trauma-informed counsellor based in Chilliwack, BC, working with youth (12+), adults, couples, and families who are navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Her work is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Jill’s approach is influenced by narrative therapy, creating space for people to explore their stories, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward the changes they want in their lives.
You can learn more about Jill’s background and counselling approach below.
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