Narrative Therapy in London & Burlington, Ontario
Explore the stories shaping how you see yourself, your relationships and what feels possible. Narrative therapy gives us a way to look beyond a problem and notice the values, choices and strengths that also belong to your story.
In-person with Hannah in London or Hailey in Burlington. Online across Ontario.
What is narrative therapy?
Narrative therapy is a collaborative form of psychotherapy that explores how we make meaning of our experiences. A painful event, repeated criticism or a difficult period can become part of a story about who we are. Sometimes that story leaves little room for other experiences, abilities or hopes.
The approach was developed by Michael White and David Epston. It pays attention to the language we use, the relationships around us, and the cultural or social expectations that influence our understanding of ourselves.
We might explore a story such as “I always let people down,” ask how it developed, and look for experiences that add context or challenge its reach. Your therapist brings questions and clinical guidance; you bring your knowledge of your life and what matters to you.
How narrative therapy works
Narrative therapy techniques guide the questions we ask and the experiences we explore together. Depending on your goals, the work may include:
01
Separate the person from the problem
Often called externalizing, this means exploring a concern such as worry or self-criticism as something influencing your life. We can ask when it appears, what it encourages you to do, and when its influence is smaller.
02
Question the story and its context
Deconstruction involves examining assumptions, labels and expectations. Whose definition of success are you using? How have family messages, culture or discrimination shaped the way you see yourself?
03
Notice overlooked experiences
“Unique outcomes” are moments that do not fit the dominant problem story. Saying no once, asking for help or getting through a difficult day may reveal something about your priorities and how you respond.
04
Develop a fuller story
Re-authoring connects those experiences with the values and commitments you want to carry forward. The conversation can lead to a small action that supports that understanding in everyday life.
A narrative therapy example
Imagine that a disagreement leaves you thinking, “I am bad at relationships.” This is an illustrative example, not a client story.
Make the story visible
We might ask what happens when that conclusion takes over. Do you withdraw, apologize immediately or stop expressing what you need? What has taught you that a disagreement means you have failed?
Look for what the story leaves out
We might explore times you listened carefully, repaired a misunderstanding or set a boundary. What do those moments say about how you want to relate to others? What could you try in the next conversation?
The work makes room for a more complete account of your experience. Difficult events still matter, and so do the ways you have responded to them.
When might narrative therapy be useful?
You might want to explore this approach when a harsh label or a familiar story seems to shape many parts of your life. These are starting points for a conversation, not a checklist that determines which therapy you need.
Identity, self-criticism and life changes
Questions such as “Who am I now?” can arise after a loss, a change in work or a shift in a relationship. Narrative conversations can explore meaning, belonging and the expectations you want to reconsider.
For anxiety or depression, a therapist can assess whether narrative work belongs alongside other support appropriate to your concerns.
Relationships and the effects of difficult experiences
The work can explore recurring labels within relationships, or beliefs about yourself that developed around painful experiences. You can talk about their effects at a pace you agree on with your therapist.
Explore individual therapy or couples therapy to learn more about the kind of support you are looking for.
What might a session involve?
You do not need a polished life story or writing skills to begin. Sessions are usually conversations about what is happening now and what you would like to understand or change.
01
Start with what brought you here
We talk about your concerns, the language you use to describe them and what you would like therapy to help with.
02
Explore together
Your therapist may ask about the effects of a problem, the expectations around it, and experiences that tell a different or more detailed story.
03
Connect the conversation with daily life
We may identify a practical step, a question to reflect on or something you want to notice between sessions. You and your therapist can review what feels useful and adjust the work.
Letters, journaling or other forms of reflection can be useful if you choose them. They are optional, and you can discuss any activity that feels uncomfortable or unhelpful.
Narrative therapy at Steyaert Counselling
Both Hannah and Hailey offer narrative therapy as part of their broader counselling work. We choose how to use it together, based on your concerns, preferences and goals.
Hannah Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
London and online across Ontario
Psychodynamic therapy is Hannah’s primary approach. She can incorporate narrative therapy when exploring self-understanding, relationship concerns and the meaning you make of your experiences.
Hailey Steyaert
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Burlington and online across Ontario
Hailey’s work includes ACT, trauma-focused and trauma-informed therapy, EFT and DBT-informed tools. Narrative therapy can also be part of the work when it fits what you want to explore.
Meet in London, Burlington or online
London
659 Central Ave, Suite 15
London, ON N5W 3P7
In-person appointments with Hannah. Free parking.
Burlington
582 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7R 3M4
In-person appointments with Hailey. Free parking.
Both therapists also offer online therapy across Ontario and phone appointments. We can discuss which setting fits your circumstances during a consultation.
Questions about narrative therapy
Talk with us about what you are looking for
A free 15-minute consultation gives you time to ask questions and discuss whether working with Hannah or Hailey feels like a good fit. You can mention your interest in narrative therapy without deciding on an approach in advance.
Prefer to ask a question first?
Use the form below if you are unsure where to start. You can mention your preferred therapist or location. A brief message is enough; you do not need to share a detailed clinical history. Sending an inquiry does not reserve an appointment.
Learn more about narrative therapy
The Dulwich Centre’s introduction to narrative therapy explains the approach’s foundations. The controlled study of narrative therapy and CBT for adult depression provides one example of its clinical research.
You can also explore our therapy approaches or read about strengths-based therapy for another perspective on the abilities and resources you bring to counselling.