What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a therapeutic approach that views individuals as capable and resourceful, distinct from their problems. It emphasises the significance of the stories that people tell themselves, holding that these narratives shape their identities and experiences.
By encouraging clients to explore, deconstruct, and reframe their personal narratives, narrative therapy focuses on their strengths and resilience rather than merely their problems. This approach can be particularly effective for addressing issues such as trauma, identity struggles, and relationship challenges, ultimately empowering clients to reshape their identities and experiences.
Narrative Therapy
Key Components of Narrative Therapy
Externalising the Problem
This technique separates individuals from their problems, allowing clients to view issues as external and changeable. By doing this, narrative therapy reduces feelings of self-blame and fosters a healthier self-concept.
Storytelling and Mapping
Clients are invited to share their life stories, helping them understand how their experiences and relationships have shaped their struggles. This process often reveals patterns or themes that can be pivotal in their healing journey.
Reframing Narratives
Therapists work collaboratively with clients to reframe negative stories, focusing on strengths and resilience, and fostering more empowering narratives that challenge limiting beliefs.
Identifying Strengths
The therapy emphasises recognising “unique outcomes,” instances where clients have demonstrated strength or overcome challenges, thereby enhancing their self-worth.
Exploring Alternative Stories
Clients are encouraged to develop new, positive narratives that provide different perspectives and possibilities, promoting a sense of agency.
Documenting Change
Cultural and Social Context
Cultural and Social Context
Narrative therapy acknowledges that reality and knowledge are subjective and constructed by individuals, shaped significantly by social, cultural, and political contexts. Understanding these influences helps clients challenge and redefine their identities in alignment with their values.
The Role of Language in Narrative Therapy
The language we use can significantly shape our interpretation of experiences and influence our self-identity. As we share our stories, we may recognise how certain language can lead to the internalisation of their problems. By becoming aware of the language we use, we can begin to shift our narratives towards more constructive and resilient interpretations.
Narrative Therapy empowers individuals to become the authors of their own stories, shifting the focus from problems to possibilities. Through this therapeutic approach, clients can foster a sense of agency and self-compassion, transforming how they perceive themselves and interact with the world.
Other Therapy Models
Our Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
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Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More
Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More 
Get in touch
Embark on the path to addressing concerns and finding the support you need. Reach out to us today to start your journey with London Bridge Therapy. Dr. Mahan-Taylor and our team are here to offer understanding and care, ensuring you feel supported throughout your therapeutic experience.rnrnYour well-being is our priority at London Bridge Therapy.
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