Rewrite Your Story with Narrative Therapy at New Horizons

Narrative therapy views individuals as separate from their problems. It emphasizes the power of stories and how we create meaning in our lives. This approach helps couples identify and challenge the negative narratives that may be dominating their relationship, allowing them to create space for alternative, more positive stories to emerge.

How Narrative Therapy Works:

In Narrative Therapy, our therapists will guide you and your partner to:

• Externalize the Problem: Separate the problem from your identity as a couple (e.g., instead of "We are bad at communicating," it becomes "Communication challenges are impacting our relationship"). This helps you gain distance from the problem and view it as something you can work on together.

• Deconstruct the Dominant Narrative: Explore the origins and influences of the negative story you've been telling yourselves about your relationship. Identify how this story impacts your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

• Identify Unique Outcomes: Uncover moments when the problem didn't have control, highlighting your strengths, resilience, and exceptions to the problem-saturated narrative.

• Re-author Your Story: Create a new narrative that emphasizes your values, hopes, and preferred ways of relating to each other. This new story incorporates the unique outcomes and focuses on your strengths as a couple.

• Live the New Story: Integrate the new narrative into your daily lives, making choices and taking actions that align with your preferred story.

Benefits of Narrative Therapy for Couples:

• Reduced Blame and Shame: By externalizing the problem, you can address challenges without feeling blamed or shamed, fostering a more collaborative approach.

• Increased Agency and Empowerment: Recognize your ability to influence your relationship and create positive change.

• Improved Communication: Develop a more open and honest dialogue about your experiences and perspectives.

• Strengthened Connection: Create a shared narrative that emphasizes your strengths, values, and hopes for the future.

• Enhanced Relationship Satisfaction: Experience a more fulfilling and meaningful relationship based on a positive and empowering story.

Is Narrative Therapy Right for You?

Narrative therapy can be beneficial for couples who are:

• Feeling stuck in negative patterns or a problem-saturated narrative

• Seeking to understand the influences shaping their relationship

• Wanting to reclaim their power to create positive change

• Committed to building a more fulfilling and meaningful relationship

Next Steps:

• Learn more about our therapists trained in Narrative Therapy

• Schedule a consultation to discuss how Narrative Therapy can benefit your relationship

• Explore other couples therapy approaches offered at New Horizons