Reclaim your story. Rediscover your strength.
At Blue Square Counseling, we believe that you are more than your problems—and that the stories you tell about yourself can be powerful tools for healing and change. Narrative Therapy offers a respectful, collaborative approach that helps you separate your identity from your challenges, reauthor your life story, and build a future aligned with your values.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions, Narrative Therapy can provide a fresh perspective and lasting transformation.
Narrative Therapy
in Billerica & Lexington, MA
What Is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, non-pathologizing approach to counseling that centers on the idea that people give meaning to their lives through the stories they tell. Developed in the 1980s by therapists Michael White and David Epston, this therapeutic approach helps you explore, deconstruct, and re-author the stories that shape your experiences.
In Narrative Therapy, problems are viewed as separate from the person. Instead of labeling someone as “anxious” or “depressed,” we examine how anxiety or depression is showing up in their life—and how they respond to it. This shift allows people to step into a more empowered role in their healing process.
How Does Narrative Therapy Work?
Through thoughtful conversations with your therapist, you’ll explore the narratives that influence your sense of self, your relationships, and your worldview. This might include:
Identifying dominant stories that have developed over time (e.g., “I always mess things up,” “I’m too sensitive,” or “I have to be perfect to be loved”)
Examining where these stories came from—family dynamics, culture, past trauma, or societal expectations
Uncovering “thin” descriptions that leave out your strengths, resilience, and complexity
Re-authoring stories with a fuller, more empowering understanding of your experiences
Your therapist will act as a compassionate collaborator, helping you discover parts of your identity that may have been overshadowed by pain or struggle.
Who Can Benefit from Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is effective for individuals, couples, teens, and families. It is particularly helpful for people who feel defined by their problems or overwhelmed by limiting beliefs.
We commonly use Narrative Therapy to support clients navigating:
Trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and feelings of worthlessness
Identity exploration (especially for LGBTQIA+ clients)
Grief and loss
Relationship challenges
Eating disorders or body image concerns
Life transitions, such as divorce, relocation, or a new diagnosis
This approach is especially affirming for those who’ve felt dismissed or pathologized in traditional mental health care. At Blue Square Counseling, we recognize the impact of culture, power, and context—and strive to create a therapeutic relationship rooted in respect and collaboration.
What to Expect in Narrative Therapy Sessions
Every person’s story is unique, so sessions will look different depending on your needs. But generally, here’s what you can expect:
A safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak freely
A collaborative relationship with your therapist—you're the expert on your life
Thoughtful questions that invite reflection and insight
Exploration of the dominant stories you carry
Space to uncover “alternative” stories of strength, success, and survival
Tools for reauthoring your narrative in a way that aligns with your values
You don’t need to be a good writer or a natural storyteller to benefit from Narrative Therapy. You simply need curiosity and a willingness to engage with your experiences in a new way.
Why Choose Blue Square Counseling for Narrative Therapy?
Our team includes therapists trained in Narrative Therapy who are skilled at holding space, listening deeply, and asking the kinds of questions that spark meaningful change. We understand the courage it takes to face old stories—and we’re here to walk beside you as you shape new ones.
You’ll find that our approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centered. We work with adults and teens in Billerica and Lexington, MA, and also offer virtual therapy for clients across Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrative Therapy
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No. Narrative Therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, from low self-esteem to complex trauma. If you feel stuck, unheard, or disconnected from yourself, this approach can offer insight and direction.
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Unlike some therapies that focus on diagnosis or symptom reduction, Narrative Therapy emphasizes meaning-making, identity, and personal agency. It’s a collaborative, respectful process that puts you in charge of your story.
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Yes. Our therapists often integrate Narrative Therapy with other evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic practices when appropriate.
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Absolutely. Teens and young adults are in a critical stage of identity formation. Narrative Therapy helps them make sense of their experiences and begin to write stories that reflect who they truly are.
Reclaim Your Narrative
Your story isn’t over. If you’re ready to step into a more empowered version of your life—one shaped by resilience, clarity, and purpose—Narrative Therapy might be the path for you.
At Blue Square Counseling, we’re honored to support you in this process. Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator today to schedule a consultation or learn more about Narrative Therapy in Billerica or Lexington, MA.