Unpacking the Stories We Tell Ourselves: Narrative Therapy for Depression
We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, what we’re worth, and what’s possible for us. For people living with depression, these stories can become especially heavy, harsh, and limiting.
At Pacific Pines Wellness, we believe that therapy can help you examine these narratives, question them with compassion, and begin to write new ones. Narrative Therapy is one powerful approach for people in seeking counselling for depression, life transitions, and self-understanding.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, affirming approach that sees you as the expert on your own life.
Rather than viewing depression as something wrong inside you, Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories you carry about yourself and your world. These stories often emerge from:
Past experiences
Family beliefs
Cultural expectations
Trauma and loss
In counselling, you’re invited to unpack these stories and ask:
“Is this story serving me? Or is it keeping me stuck?”
How Depression Shapes Our Stories
When you’re struggling with depression, your inner story might sound like:
“I’m worthless.”
“Nothing I do matters.”
“I always fail.”
“No one really cares about me.”
These narratives aren’t just thoughts—they feel like truths. They can shape how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how you move through the world.
Narrative Therapy: Rewriting the Script
In Narrative Therapy, you’ll work with a counsellor to:
Externalize the Problem
See depression as separate from you: “I’m not worthless; I’m struggling with feelings of worthlessness.”
Reduces blame and shame.
Unpack the Dominant Story
Explore how the depressive narrative took hold.
Ask: Who taught you this? When did you start to believe it?
Find the Exceptions
Identify times you resisted hopelessness.
Highlight strengths you may have overlooked.
Build a Richer Story
Explore values, dreams, and preferred ways of being.
Create a more balanced, self-compassionate narrative.
Reconnect with Meaning and Community
Identify supports, relationships, and resources.
Challenge isolation and invite connection.
How Narrative Therapy Helps with Life Transitions
Many people seek counselling during major life transitions—divorce, job loss, parenthood, aging.
These moments can shake the foundations of our personal stories. Narrative Therapy offers a way to:
Grieve and process change.
Re-author your identity in light of new realities.
Move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Why Choose Pacific Pines Wellness for Narrative Therapy in Langley, BC
At Pacific Pines Wellness, our counsellors in Langley are trained to create a safe, non-judgmental space for exploring your personal narratives.
Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or a major life transition, Narrative Therapy can help you develop self-awareness, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and reclaim your voice and agency
If you’re looking for a BC counsellor who will respect your story and help you shape it in empowering ways, we’re here for you.
Contact Pacific Pines Wellness to book your appointment.
References:
White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton.
Morgan, A. (2000). What is Narrative Therapy? An Easy-to-Read Introduction. Dulwich Centre Publications.
American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding Psychotherapy and How it Works. www.apa.org.
