Narrative Therapy in Los Angeles

We all have a story to tell, which explains why we think what is, is, and why it is. These stories - these narratives - dictate the patterns we fall into every day. While it is powerful to be able to craft our own stories, sometimes it is easy to get trapped in the pain, flaws, and limitations. Even in a city like Los Angeles that has diverse experiences to offer, many find themselves confined by limiting narratives: societal and family expectations, or labels that never felt fair or right.

This is where narrative therapy comes in. It reframes and reconstructs your stories by flipping the script - creating a new narrative so that you can rewrite the patterns that no longer serve you and reclaim ownership of your life.

Narrative therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that enables you to reshape and reclaim your story - to view your personal challenges or weaknesses from the perspective of hope and strength. It was developed by New Zealand therapists Michael White and David Epston, with the idea that therapy needs to be empowering.

Linda Whiteside, Clinical Supervisor at the NuView Treatment Center, says, “Narrative therapy is based on the notion that we tell stories to make sense of our experiences, relationships, and lives in general. In a therapeutic setting, you will be able to explore and reconstruct your story in a non-judgmental way.”

In life, we see that there are certain stories that are deemed negative and externalized, separate from your identity. However, with your own insight and abilities, you will be able to develop alternative narratives to deal with these challenges in a centered way.

Narrative therapy integrates the following techniques into the sessions:

1. Putting Together Your Narrative

You and your therapist explore the events of your life and the meanings you have given them. You step back and observe these events from a third person’s perspective to understand the dominant narratives that are holding you back.

2. Externalizing the Problem

You separate yourself from the concern, as you view yourself as distinct from it. For instance, if you name your anxiety as “Mr. Not Welcome,” you will understand that it is not permanent nor is it the entire you. This becomes a powerful tool to change.

3. Deconstruction

Your therapist will break down overwhelming narratives into smaller, clearer narratives to highlight the root of the problematic patterns. Deconstruction also considers sociocultural factors like gender, race, culture, and economy to understand the context of your story. This way, you gain clarity, making them easier to deal with.

4. Unique Outcomes

It is also known as “re-authoring,” where you discover and build alternative, dominant narratives. Using these alternative narratives, you will rewrite your story into something more positive and indicative of who you really are.

Narrative therapy is so effective because it is based on the idea of empowering the client. It gives you, the client, the ability to reshape your story and reclaim control over your life from those negativities that are holding you back.

Narrative therapy can be beneficial for those dealing with mental health concerns, such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, trauma-related concerns, relationship conflicts, and a sense of being stuck.

Linda Whiteside says, “Narrative therapy provides a safe setting where you gain the tools and rewrite limiting patterns to foster a positive mindset. When you begin to see yourself as distinct from your problem, you approach it with curiosity and kindness.”

A therapist can play different roles in the context of narrative therapy. As the client opens up about their story, they direct it toward a coherent narrative. Post which, the therapist will join the client in rewriting the story toward a more empowering narrative.

A narrative therapist is not looking to put clients under a specific diagnosis; instead, they look to validate lived experiences and modify their narratives to promote healthier perspectives and decisions.

Yes, narrative therapy is very effective. Studies have shown that those who received this therapy for anxiety and depressive symptoms experience healing and enhanced quality of life. In fact, it is effective in reducing ADHD-related symptoms among girls as well.

Other studies have shown that it enhances empathy, pro-social behavior, and problem-solving skills among children, while married women who have used this therapy to increase intimacy and marital satisfaction also report experiencing benefits.

Los Angeles is home to millions who are navigating mental health struggles - over 46% of Californians report experiencing a mental health condition at some point. Oftentimes, these struggles overlap with substance use challenges.

In a city built on individuality and personal narratives, the stories you tell yourself about who you are can shape not just your mental health, but your relationships, your career, and the way you move through the world.

Narrative therapy speaks directly to this lived reality of the city that is LA. Instead of forcing you into a rigid therapy model, it invites you to explore the personal narratives that have been shaped by culture, community, family expectations, or the outside expectations to “be” a certain version of yourself. At NuView, we find that for many of our LA-based clients, narrative therapy offers a powerful way to step back from limiting stories and rewrite them into something more aligned with who you want to be.

Narrative therapy can be an empowering tool if you are feeling stuck in the patterns of anxiety, depression, trauma, or other negativities of life. As you rewrite these patterns, you see these challenges as a painful chapter in the bigger scheme of things.

If you are looking for qualified and experienced narrative therapists in Los Angeles, reach out to NuView today! Our therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental setting where you can confidently pen your own story as you find the ability to heal and grow.

Please call us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our experts today!

1. What is narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is an evidence-backed therapy that is based on the notion that we tell stories to make sense of our experiences, relationships, and lives. Stories that become problematic can be externalized and presented in a non-judgmental way to foster healing and growth.

2. What are the techniques used in narrative therapy?

The techniques used in narrative therapy are:

• Putting together your narrative
• Externalizing the problem
• Deconstruction
• Unique outcomes

3. What is narrative therapy useful for?

Narrative therapy can be used to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship troubles, and the feeling of being stuck in patterns of negativity.

4. How long does narrative therapy last?

The duration of narrative therapy can vary - it depends on your unique needs and goals.

5. Where can I find narrative therapy in Los Angeles?

If the narrative therapy approach resonates with you, then you can contact your primary healthcare provider or trusted family and friends for references. You can also contact NuView at (323) 307-7997, as we match you with experienced therapists who provide a safe environment where you can grow and heal.