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“Rather than seeing you as the problem, narrative therapy views the problem as separate from the person.”

Narrative Therapy is based on the idea that you are not defined by the problems or experiences you have faced.

Together we explore the stories you tell about yourself, identify the strengths and values that may have been overlooked, and develop new perspectives that better reflect your preferred way of seeing yourself. Rather than seeing you as the problem, narrative therapy views the problem as separate from the person, creating space for hope, growth, and lasting change.

I have been incorporating Narrative Therapy into my practice since 2011 and offer it through secure virtual sessions to adults throughout British Columbia.

The core ideas

Externalisation

Externalisation is a key part of Narrative Therapy. Rather than seeing a person as the problem, we view the problem as something separate from them. This can help reduce shame and self-blame while creating space to better understand what the problem is, how it affects different areas of life, and what strengths and resources can be used to respond to it.

For example, instead of saying “I’m an anxious person,” we might talk about “anxiety” as something that has entered your life, then explore when it shows up, how it influences you, and the times you have already been able to reduce its influence.

That shift in perspective often helps people feel more empowered and more hopeful.

Re-authoring

Re-authoring is the process of developing a new understanding of yourself that is not defined by your problems or past experiences.

Rather than focusing only on the problem-saturated story, we explore times when the problem had less influence, identify your personal strengths, values, and skills, and begin to build a richer and more balanced story that reflects who you are and what matters most to you.

In a session, this happens through thoughtful conversation and curiosity. Together we explore experiences that may have been overlooked, identify exceptions to the problem, and connect these to your values and preferred way of living. Over time, these conversations help strengthen a new narrative that feels more consistent with who you actually are.

Unique outcomes

Unique outcomes are times when the problem was less influential, or when you responded in a way that does not fit the problem-saturated story you have about yourself.

These moments may seem small or insignificant at first, but they often reveal important strengths, values, skills, or hopes that can become the foundation for future change.

In therapy I listen for these moments with curiosity and invite you to explore them in more detail. Together we look at what made those moments possible, what they say about your strengths and values, and how you might build on them elsewhere in your life.

Identity

Narrative therapy views identity as much richer than the problems a person experiences. Rather than defining someone by labels such as “I’m anxious,” “I’m broken,” or “I’m a failure,” we explore how those problems have influenced their life without letting them define who they are.

I help clients separate themselves from the problem through externalisation and by exploring their values, strengths, relationships, and the experiences that may have been overshadowed. As clients begin to recognize that they are not the problem, they often feel less shame and more hope. That creates space to reconnect with their preferred identity and make choices consistent with their values.

Who narrative therapy works well for

In my experience, narrative therapy can be helpful for people experiencing:

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Low self-esteem
• Identity concerns
• Relationship difficulties
• Life transitions

It can also be beneficial for people who feel that a problem or a diagnosis has come to define them, and who want to develop a more hopeful and empowering understanding of themselves.

I appreciate that narrative therapy focuses on a person’s strengths, values, and resilience rather than viewing them through the lens of their problems. At the same time, I believe therapy should be tailored to each individual, so I often integrate narrative therapy with other evidence-based approaches.

Narrative therapy and trauma

Narrative therapy can be a very helpful approach for people who have experienced trauma. Rather than encouraging someone to relive or repeatedly retell traumatic events, it focuses on helping people separate themselves from the effects of the trauma and recognize that it does not define who they are.

I approach trauma narratives with care, always working at a pace that feels safe. Together we explore the impact trauma has had on your life while also identifying your strengths, values, resilience, and the ways you have already responded to adversity.

When appropriate, I may integrate other trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR or the Flash Technique to support processing and healing. My goal is to help you develop a richer understanding of yourself that is not defined by the trauma you have experienced, without asking you to revisit painful memories before you are ready.

If talking about yourself is hard

Narrative therapy can certainly help people who find it difficult to talk about themselves or articulate their feelings. I use curiosity and thoughtful questions to help clients explore their experiences at a pace that feels comfortable.

That said, for some people – particularly those who find verbal expression very difficult, or who become overwhelmed when discussing traumatic experiences – I may recommend or integrate approaches such as EMDR or the Flash Technique. These require much less talking about the details of traumatic experiences while still supporting processing and healing.

My goal is always to use the approach, or combination of approaches, that best meets your individual needs.

Combining narrative therapy with other approaches

I often integrate Narrative Therapy with EMDR, the Flash Technique, Hypnotherapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, depending on your needs and goals. Rather than relying on one approach for everyone, I tailor therapy to the individual, and together we decide what best fits your situation.

My narrative therapy training

I have completed extensive postgraduate training in Narrative Therapy through certificate courses, workshops, and international conferences:

• Narrative Therapy: Level One – 5-day certificate course
• Narrative Therapy: Couples in Conflict – working relationally with conflicted couple relationships
• Narrative Therapy: Level Two – 3-day intermediate training
• Therapeutic Conversations 10 conference
• Therapeutic Conversations 12 conference
• Therapeutic Conversations 13 conference

I have been incorporating Narrative Therapy into my counselling practice since 2011. In that time I have worked with more than 2,000 clients and provided over 15,000 hours of counselling. Narrative Therapy continues to be one of the approaches I regularly draw on, depending on each client’s needs and goals.

The concepts I find most powerful

One of the narrative therapy concepts I find most powerful is externalisation. Helping clients see that they are not the problem, but that the problem is something separate from them, often reduces shame and self-blame while creating space for curiosity, hope, and change.

I also find re-authoring and identifying unique outcomes especially meaningful. As clients begin to recognize moments when the problem had less influence and reconnect with their strengths, values, and resilience, they often develop a more balanced and empowering understanding of themselves. For many people this shift can be transformative, because it allows them to see that their identity is much greater than the challenges they have experienced.

What to expect

Your first session

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what has brought you to counselling. I usually start by asking what you would like to begin with, as many clients have been carrying things for a long time.

As we talk, I will be curious about the story the problem has been telling about you, and equally curious about the parts of your experience that story leaves out. We will explore when the difficulty began, how it affects your life, and what you hope to gain from counselling. If you are not sure where to begin, I will help guide the conversation.

How many sessions

The number varies depending on the concerns you bring and your goals. Many clients begin noticing meaningful progress within about 3 to 5 sessions, while others choose to continue for longer. We will regularly review your progress together and decide what feels most helpful.

Written practices

Written practices such as therapeutic letters or identity documents can be part of Narrative Therapy, but I do not use them in my practice. Our work happens in conversation.

Fees and access

Fee: $150 for a 60-minute counselling session.

Online across BC: Yes. I provide Narrative Therapy through secure virtual counselling sessions to clients throughout British Columbia.

Extended health: If your plan provides coverage for services with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), it generally does not matter which counselling approach is used during the session. Insurance companies typically cover the professional providing the service rather than the specific therapeutic modality.

Start with a free 15-minute call

If the idea that you are not your problem resonates with you, a no-fee 15-minute phone call is a good place to begin.

Frequently asked questions

What is narrative therapy in simple terms?
It is an approach based on the idea that you are not the problem. We look at the stories told about you and about your difficulties, and work on building a fuller, more accurate story.

What does externalisation mean?
Treating the problem as something separate from you. Instead of “I am anxious,” we talk about anxiety as something that shows up in your life, and examine when it has less influence.

Does narrative therapy work for trauma?
Yes, and it does not require you to retell traumatic events repeatedly. When more is needed, I may integrate EMDR or the Flash Technique.

Can narrative therapy be done online?
Yes. It is conversation-based, so it translates well to secure video sessions across BC.

How many sessions does it take?
Many clients notice meaningful progress within about 3 to 5 sessions, though this varies with your goals.

Do you use therapeutic letters?
No. Although letters and identity documents are part of the broader narrative tradition, I work through conversation.

Is narrative therapy covered by extended health?
If your plan covers RCC services, the modality used within the session generally does not affect coverage. Confirm with your insurer.