NARRATIVE THERAPY IN CALGARY
turning point.
Everyone carries quiet stories about who they are, how they “should” be, and what they can expect from the world. Some of those stories support you. Others weigh you down. Narrative therapy in Calgary helps teens and adults step back from the stories shaping their lives, separate who they are from the problems they face, and write a next chapter that fits.
THE HEART OF NU PSYCHOLOGY
Why Narrative Therapy Is Our Signature Approach
At NU Psychology, we believe every story has a turning point, and therapy is where many people find theirs. Narrative ideas shape how we work across the practice: we listen for the whole story, not just the problem. We notice the strengths and values that are already there, and we help you author what comes next. Whether you come in for anxiety, burnout, relationships, or a life transition, you’ll feel this approach in the room.
You Are Not the Problem
Narrative therapy separates you from what you’re struggling with. “I’m an anxious person” becomes “anxiety has been showing up a lot lately,” which opens up room to respond.
You Are the Expert
You know your life better than anyone. Your psychologist is a curious, collaborative guide, not the author of your story.
Stories Can Change
The stories we live by were shaped by family, culture, and experience. Because they were written, they can be rewritten.
A PSYCHOLOGIST’S DEFINITION
What Is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy is a collaborative, respectful approach developed by Michael White and David Epston. It explores the stories you’ve learned about yourself, where they came from, and how they’ve shaped your choices and relationships. Then it helps you find the parts of your experience those stories left out: the strengths, values, and moments of resistance that point toward a different way forward.
Key Practices in Narrative Therapy
Externalizing
Naming the problem as something outside of you, so you can see it clearly and stand up to it.
Deconstructing
Exploring where a belief came from, and whose voice it really is.
Unique Outcomes
Finding the times the problem didn’t win. These moments hold your alternative story.
Re-Authoring
Building a richer, truer story of who you are and who you’re becoming.
WHAT NARRATIVE THERAPY CAN SUPPORT
Concerns Narrative Therapy Helps With
Many people choose narrative therapy when they feel disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, or when they want to understand the “why” behind their patterns. It can help with:
Self-Worth & Self-Doubt
Loosening the grip of stories like “I’m not enough” or “I always mess things up.” Explore self-esteem and confidence therapy.
Identity & Life Transitions
Making sense of who you’re becoming through career changes, new roles, or outgrowing old versions of yourself.
Perfectionism & Pressure
Questioning the “shoulds” that drive overfunctioning and people-pleasing. See perfectionism therapy.
Anxiety & Low Mood
Shifting the stories about worth and capability that keep anxiety and depression going. Learn about anxiety and depression therapy.
Grief & Endings
Holding onto what mattered while making meaning of loss and change. Explore grief and loss therapy.
Family & Relationship Patterns
Understanding family-of-origin stories and cultural or generational expectations, and choosing which ones to keep. See family therapy.
THE NU PROCESS
How Narrative Therapy Works at NU Psychology
Narrative therapy is conversational, thoughtful, and paced gently. You stay in control of what you explore. A typical session might include:
A Meaningful Check-In
What stood out emotionally, relationally, or internally this week.
Exploring the Story
Where a belief came from, why it stuck, and what it has cost you.
Re-Authoring
Finding overlooked strengths, values, and moments that tell a different story.
Living the New Chapter
Small, intentional steps that let the new story take root in daily life.
Narrative Therapy Alongside Other Approaches
Narrative therapy stays rooted in meaning and self-understanding, and it blends naturally with other evidence-based tools when you need them: ACT for values-based decisions, IFS for emotional insight, CBT and DBT skills for grounding and clarity, solution-focused therapy for momentum, and EMDR for trauma when needed. Your psychologist will guide the blend that fits your story.
NARRATIVE THERAPY FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Is Narrative Therapy the Right Fit for You?
Narrative Therapy for Teens
Teens are in the middle of figuring out who they are. Narrative therapy gives them space to question labels, push back on stories others have told about them, and find their own voice. Learn more about teen therapy.
Narrative Therapy for Adults
It may be a good fit if you want emotional insight, clarity about identity, a gentle and reflective approach, less internal pressure, and a blend of reflection and forward movement. Explore adult therapy.
NARRATIVE THERAPY IN CALGARY & ONLINE
Where to Start Your Next Chapter
Narrative practices are woven into how our psychologists work with teens, adults, couples, and families. Not sure who’s the right fit? We can help you get matched or you can meet our team.
Killarney
2005 37 St SW, Unit #4. Serving the inner southwest, including Marda Loop, Altadore, Strathcona, and Aspen Woods. View location.
Bridgeland
172 9 St NE. Close to downtown, Renfrew, Riverside, and the Bridgeland/Memorial CTrain station. View location.
Online Across Alberta
Secure video sessions from home, anywhere in the province. Learn about online therapy.
Narrative Therapy FAQs
Is narrative therapy just talking about my past?
Not necessarily. Narrative therapy explores past experiences only to understand how old beliefs formed. The focus is on the meaning you’ve placed on those experiences, and how to reshape those meanings so they support your life now.
What does “separating yourself from the problem” mean?
It means seeing the problem as something you have a relationship with, not something you are. Instead of “I’m a failure,” you might explore how self-doubt shows up and what it tries to convince you of. This shift often creates relief and room for change.
Will narrative therapy feel too emotional or intense?
No. Narrative therapy is paced gently and collaboratively. You don’t have to revisit anything before you’re ready, and you stay in control of what you explore.
Can narrative therapy help with anxiety or depression?
Yes. Anxiety and depression are often fuelled by internal stories about worth, capability, or pressure. Narrative therapy helps shift those stories so emotional patterns can change. Learn more about anxiety therapy.
How is narrative therapy different from CBT or DBT?
Narrative therapy focuses on meaning and identity: why patterns developed and how you interpret your experiences. CBT is more structured around thought patterns, and DBT focuses on emotion regulation skills. Narrative therapy complements both, especially when you want deeper context and clarity.
Do I need to be a “good storyteller”?
Not at all. Your psychologist helps you explore your experiences in a natural, conversational way. There’s no pressure to speak perfectly or share your whole story at once.
Is narrative therapy helpful during a major life transition?
Yes. Narrative therapy is especially supportive during transitions like career changes, relationship changes, identity shifts, or grief, because it helps you make sense of who you are becoming.
Do you offer narrative therapy online?
Yes. Narrative therapy works well online. Sessions are available in person at our Killarney and Bridgeland locations in Calgary, or through secure online therapy anywhere in Alberta.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Your story isn’t fixed. If you’re ready to understand it more deeply and create new meaning that fits who you’re becoming, narrative therapy can help. Book online or contact our office to get matched with a Calgary psychologist, in person or online across Alberta.