Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and experiences. It helps clients separate themselves from their problems, gain new perspectives, and create more empowering narratives.
What are the Benefits of Narrative Therapy?
By changing our stories, we can change how we perceive our experiences and, in turn, our behaviors and emotions. Here are some benefits of narrative therapy:
- Encourages self-reflection
- Promotes self-compassion
- Facilitates personal growth
- Helps challenge negative beliefs
- Creates new possibilities
- Enhances resilience
Through narrative therapy, individuals can learn to reframe their experiences in a more positive and empowering way. This change can help overcome negative thinking and behavior patterns, develop greater resilience in the face of adversity, and gain optimism about the future. Narrative therapy can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety or depression.
How Does Narrative Therapy Work?
Narrative therapy views stories as central to people’s self-evaluation and understanding of life. Humans use stories to interpret experiences–including those related to careers, relationships, weaknesses, triumphs, and failures. As we interpret sequential experiences, we create a “dominant” story.
Depending on individual and cultural contexts, people will interpret the same event differently. However, dominant stories can be problematic when our interpretation of events is flawed. To help our interpretations become more realistic, narrative therapists utilize four concepts:
NARRATIVE CONSTRUCTION
Narrative therapists guide clients to construct empowering stories by exploring their experiences, identifying themes, and observing their own accounts to identify dominant and problematic aspects.
EXTERNALIZATION
Externalization in narrative therapy involves separating a problem from the person, allowing them to gain perspective and see the problem as something they can overcome.
DECONSTRUCTION
Deconstruction involves breaking down negative or problematic stories, examining their underlying assumptions, and creating space for new, more positive narratives to emerge.
OUTCOMES
Through narrative therapy, clients learn to focus on positive outcomes. They include improved self-esteem, better coping skills, increased resilience, and a sense of control over one’s life through the creation of alternate narratives.
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
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