Narrative therapy is a counselling approach that helps people separate themselves from their problems. Instead of viewing yourself as “the problem,” it explores the stories you carry about your life and supports you in rewriting them to highlight strengths, resilience, and possibility. Our narrative therapists have witnessed major transformations in negative self-talk while rewiring thought processes and deeply ingrained neural pathways.

Narrative therapy works by identifying the dominant stories that shape your identity, such as “I’m not capable” or “I always fail”, and exploring how they developed. With your Gather & Ground narrative therapist, you’ll externalize the problem, uncover overlooked strengths, and reframe your story in a way that feels more empowering and aligned with your values.

Narrative therapy is effective for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity concerns, self-esteem, and relationship struggles. Our therapists have seen that it is particularly helpful for people in Vancouver and across BC who feel defined by negative stories and want to create new perspectives rooted in hope and resilience.

A session usually lasts 50–60 minutes. Your therapist will invite you to share your story and notice the language and patterns that shape it. Together, you’ll explore how culture, family, or society have influenced these narratives and co-create alternative stories that reflect your values and strengths. You narrative therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to ensure your goals are met through this healing modality.

Narrative therapy at Gather & Ground is suitable for individuals, couples, and families. It can be especially supportive for people in BC who feel “stuck” in limiting beliefs, are navigating life transitions, or want to live more in alignment with their core values and identity.

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals. Some clients experience meaningful change after just a few sessions, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper life themes. Studies show that attending 12 or more sessions bring sustained change. Your narrative therapist at Gather & Ground will collaborate with you to set a pace that feels supportive and manageable.

Yes. Our narrative therapy services are collaborative, non-judgmental, and respectful. The therapist acts as a guide while you remain the expert of your own life. Sessions are designed to empower you, not label you, making it one of the most client-centered forms of counselling! Emotional and physical safety is our top priority at Gather & Ground.

Many extended health plans in British Columbia cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and Registered Social Workers (RSW). It’s best to confirm directly with your provider. Our Vancouver clinic issues detailed receipts to make the reimbursement process simple and stress-free.

Most therapies focus on reducing symptoms or analyzing problems. Narrative therapy takes a unique approach by focusing on meaning-making and perspective. Instead of pathologizing you, it positions you as the expert of your own story and encourages you to author new narratives that open possibilities for change. Many clients feel comforted in this approach at Gather & Ground and state it transforms their self-talk and negative core beliefs.

Look for registered counsellors who list narrative therapy as a specialization. At our Vancouver-based practice, our therapists offer online counselling making it easy to access narrative therapy anywhere in BC. Virtual counselling ensures you can find support even if you don’t live near Vancouver!

Yes. Our virtual counselling clinic is based in Vancouver and offers narrative therapy online. We serve clients across British Columbia, so whether you’re in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or a smaller BC community, you can access this approach securely and conveniently.

Clients often leave sessions feeling lighter, more hopeful, and with fresh perspectives on challenges that once felt overwhelming. Gather & Ground clients report gaining practical tools for challenging negative self-talk, reclaiming their values, and reconnecting with a more empowering version of their story.