What is Narrative Therapy?
The stories we tell ourselves shape our identities, emotions, and choices. Many of us carry narratives rooted in past pain, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs. Often times, the stories we tell ourselves are written by others, yet shape our view of ourselves. Narrative therapy is a powerful modality that guides individuals to rewrite those stories, and reclaim their personal narratives in an empowering way.
Narrative therapy has always been a personal favorite of mine, and has served as a guiding lens in my work as a therapist over the years. I find that it pairs really well as an integrative approach with Internal Family Systems and EMDR.
When we are able to take a step back and reexamine narratives that may no longer be serving us, there is room for healing and growth. If you’re looking for a therapist in Denver who uses narrative therapy, I’d love to support you on your healing journey. Schedule a consultation with me today and take the first step toward a new chapter.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that views individuals as separate from their symptoms. Instead of defining yourself by struggles or past trauma, narrative therapy helps you explore the stories you’ve internalized, to process and shift them in ways that better serve your view of self and overall wellbeing.
This modality, developed by Michael White and David Epston, is based on the belief that we construct meaning from our experiences through the stories we tell. Sometimes, these stories are shaped by external influences—family expectations, societal pressures, or past wounds—that don’t reflect our true selves. In rewriting our narratives, we can have more agency in living the life we want to live, rather than the life that others may think we should be living.
With narrative therapy, you can begin to reexamine and process your story in a way that fosters self-compassion, resilience, and personal agency.
How Narrative Therapy Works
One of the things I love about narrative therapy is how it allows individuals to see themselves in a new light. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Externalizing the Problem: Rather than seeing yourself as the problem (i.e., “I am anxious”), narrative therapy encourages you to externalize the issue. For example, instead of saying “I am anxious,” you might say, “Anxiety sometimes shows up in my life,” or “I am a person who experiences anxiety.” This shift creates distance between you and the problem, giving you more space to work with it.
Rewriting Limiting Narratives: Together, we’ll explore the dominant stories that shape your self-concept. Where did they come from? Are they truly yours, or were they told to you by someone else? Once we identify these narratives, we can begin rewriting them in ways that reflect your strengths, values, and lived experience.
Identifying Unique Outcomes: Many people feel stuck in their problems because they focus on the dominant narratives. Narrative therapy helps uncover “unique outcomes” or moments where you acted outside of these limiting stories. For example, if you believe you’re not resilient, we’ll find times in your life where you demonstrated strength. These moments become the foundation for a new, more empowering story.
The Role of the Therapist
As your therapist, my role is to guide you through this process with curiosity, compassion, and a nonjudgmental perspective. I’ll help you challenge old narratives and support you in constructing a new, more empowering storyline—one that acknowledges your hardships while also recognizes your strength and capacity for change.
The Transformative Power of Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is deeply transformative because it shifts the way you see yourself. Some of the key benefits include:
Gaining a New Perspective: When you see your problems and symptoms as separate from yourself, it’s easier to approach them with curiosity rather than self-judgment. Narrative Therapy is a non-pathologizing approach, meaning it focuses more on your experiences as a whole person, rather than a mental health diagnosis.
Breaking Free from Stuck Patterns: By rewriting old narratives, you open the door to new possibilities and choices for your life.
Building Self-Compassion: You begin to see yourself as the writer of your own story, rather than a person in a predetermined script.
Healing from Trauma: Many individuals who have experienced trauma carry stories of shame or helplessness. Narrative therapy helps process these experiences in ways that honor survival, resilience, and personal growth.
Getting Started with Narrative Therapy in Denver
I believe in the profound impact narrative therapy can have on individuals who feel stuck in old patterns and limiting self-beliefs. When you shift the way you tell your story, you shift the way you experience your life.
If you’re looking for a Denver trauma therapist and are curious to explore how narrative therapy can help you, I’d love to support you. Your story is still being written—let’s work together to create one that aligns with the life you want to live. Reach out today to get started!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gigi Woodall, LMFT
Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapist in Denver
Hi, I’m Gigi—a Denver-based trauma therapist passionate about helping people heal and reconnect with themselves. My work focuses on exploring how early experiences, relationships, and protective parts of the self shape our inner narratives. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, I help clients challenge limiting beliefs and step into a more authentic, intuitive way of living.
My background includes working with organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association, Project HEAL, and the One Love Foundation. I’ve also worked in eating disorder treatment centers and am actively involved with the Eating Disorder Foundation and IAEDP’s Denver chapter. Currently, I’m on the path to becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
With specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and eating disorder treatment, I provide a safe, supportive space for those navigating recovery, trauma, and self-discovery.
Looking for support on your healing journey? Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.