Narrative therapy at Thriveworks

585+ insurance plans accepted

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What is narrative therapy?

In narrative therapy sessions at Thriveworks, you can expect a collaborative and empowering approach to exploring personal narratives and reshaping your stories.

Our therapists can help you externalize your problems, identify strengths and resources, and co-author new narratives that align with your values and goals.

You can anticipate a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can gain insight, find agency, and create positive change in your life.

Award-winning therapy with availability as soon as this week

Over the past year, Thriveworks conducted more than 1.51 million psychiatry and therapy sessions, earning a proud 4.4 rating from over 15,000 Google reviews.

ratings
I am loving working with my therapist, Vanessa, from Thriveworks! She has such helpful insights and strategies for the challenges I face. She has such patience, as I try to learn and apply new concepts she shows me. She shows me ways of looking at past events in my life in a whole new way. It is exciting to feel some progress toward the positive, in my thought patterns, because of Vanessa’s gentle guidance. I am a very happy Thriveworks client!!!
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I personally didn’t think therapy would work for me but I gave Thriveworks a shot and do not regret it! They truly know how to figure out the problem and will work with you to find multiple solutions. Everyone that works there is so nice, from the phone operators to the actual therapists. Don’t sit on the fence about your mental health!
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Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
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  • 340+ locations nationwide — offering both in-person and online therapy

  • Flexible appointments available, including both nights & weekends

  • 2,200+ diverse, expert licensed therapists & providers

What to expect with narrative therapy

  • 1

    Get started by attending your first session

    45-60 MIN SESSION
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    Choose a service

    Consider which service suits your needs best, whether individual therapy or another option we offer. Need support beyond yourself? Narrative therapy is highly effective for couples & families as well.

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    Find a provider

    View providers that specialize in narrative therapy; you can search by insurance, credentials, education & more. Need help? Call us at 833-966-4293.

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    Attend the first session

    Your therapist will focus on building rapport & exploring your concerns & goals. It may feel formal, but getting a complete view of your history is vital for laying the foundation for your future sessions.

  • 2

    Attend ongoing sessions, start feeling better

    45-60 MIN SESSIONS
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    Meet on your time

    Your therapist will work with you to structure your ongoing sessions based on your service, individual recovery, & schedule, as you progress through your treatment plan.

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    Find what works best

    Sessions help separate you from your problems, focus on storytelling to reinterpret life events, identify values & skills, & rewrite narratives to emphasize your strengths & resilience.

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    Monitor progress

    Your therapist will regularly check in, welcoming feedback & focusing on key progress indicators such as improved well-being, goal achievement, & making strides towards recovery.

  • 3

    Seamlessly switch to find the best connection

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    Adapted to your needs

    If your therapist’s approach or style isn’t a good fit, don’t worry! Let them know, & they can either adjust or refer you to another therapist within our Thriveworks provider network.

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    Find your best match

    It’s common to want to meet with multiple therapists before finding the best fit. Our customer service team can help you seamlessly switch if you’re not connecting. Call 833-966-4293 for help.

Narrative therapy FAQs

What is narrative therapy about?

Narrative therapy is a collaborative approach to counseling—one that views individuals as separate from their problems. It focuses on exploring the stories people tell about their lives, identities, and relationships, with the aim of identifying alternative narratives that empower change.

How does narrative therapy work?

Narrative therapy works by externalizing problems, such as depression, anxiety, or conflict, from the individual and examining how these issues are constructed within social and cultural contexts. Therapists help clients identify dominant narratives that may be limiting or oppressive and support them in re-authoring their stories to create preferred outcomes.

What issues can narrative therapy address?

Narrative therapy can address a wide range of personal, relational, and systemic issues, including mental health concerns, trauma, grief, addiction, family conflict, and social justice issues. It can be applied to individuals, couples, families, and groups across various cultural backgrounds.

What are some key principles of narrative therapy?

Key principles of narrative therapy include externalizing the problem, deconstructing dominant narratives, exploring alternative perspectives, acknowledging and amplifying unique outcomes, and respecting clients’ agency and expertise in creating change.

How long does narrative therapy take?

The number of narrative therapy sessions varies depending on the complexity of the issues being addressed, the goals of therapy, and the preferences of the client. Some clients may experience significant progress in a few sessions, but others may need a larger number of sessions to enjoy the same results.

Can narrative therapy be conducted online or remotely?

Yes, narrative therapy can be delivered through video sessions at Thriveworks, allowing clients to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes. Therapists can adapt narrative therapy techniques to the online environment while maintaining the principles of collaboration and empowerment.

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