How Can My Favorite Fictional Character Help Me: An Exploration of Narrative Therapy
Have you ever felt stuck in a story about yourself—one that makes you feel small, powerless, or disconnected from the life you want? Narrative Therapy might be the approach that helps you see things differently. Similarly to how we can read books or watch movies as an external observer, Narrative practices ask us to reflect on what would come up if we were to take that same lens, and turn it inwards to our own experiences.
This type of therapy is all about understanding the stories we live by—the ones we’ve absorbed from our experiences, relationships, and the world around us. Some of these stories might feel helpful or empowering, while others might make it harder to feel confident, capable, or in control. Narrative practices can create space to explore where these stories come from and how they influence your life. Through this process, you and your therapist can begin to explore ways to reimagine the narratives that feel unsupportive for your goals.
Separating You from the Problem
One of the most important ideas in Narrative Therapy is that you are not the problem—the problem is the problem. This means that the struggles you face are not a reflection of who you are but are influenced by things outside of you, like societal pressures, past experiences, or cultural expectations.
By seeing the problem as something separate from yourself, it becomes easier to talk about it, understand it, and even change how it impacts you. You might begin to feel more clarity and self-compassion, which are powerful steps toward feeling more like yourself again.
Recognizing the Bigger Picture
For many people, life’s challenges aren’t just personal—they’re tied to bigger systems or pressures, like discrimination, inequality, or cultural norms. Narrative Therapy is a good fit for people who want to understand these larger influences and how they affect their lives.
By examining the bigger picture, you can start to make sense of your experiences in a way that feels fair and honest. It’s not about blaming yourself but about recognizing how these forces might have shaped the challenges you’re facing and finding ways to stand in your own power despite them.
Healing Through Your Story
If you’ve experienced trauma, chronic illness, or other life changes that have left you feeling disconnected from yourself, Narrative Therapy can help you re-establish a sense of control and connection. It’s about looking at your story and asking: What would I like this story to say about me?
This process can help you explore ways to adjust to new realities, let go of narratives that make you feel stuck, and focus on the strengths and values that help you move forward.
Your Story Isn’t Over
The truth is, we’re all living stories, and those stories can change. You don’t have to be defined by what’s happened to you or what others expect of you. Through Narrative Therapy, you can start to look at your life in a new way—one that feels more authentic and more aligned with the person you want to be.
Similarly to your favorite fictional character whose story you may have seen evolve over the course of multiple chapters, episodes, or movie installments - your story isn’t locked in at the point that feels the lowest. You have the ability to explore it, reimagine it, and write the next chapter in a way that feels right for you