Narrative Therapy in Toronto
Narrative Therapy in Toronto
"I'm an anxious person." "I'm bad at relationships." "I've always been the difficult one." The stories we tell about ourselves are powerful, and many of them were handed to us before we could argue. Narrative therapy helps you notice those stories, question where they came from, and write ones that fit your life better.
We offer narrative therapy in person on Dundas West and online across Ontario.
What is narrative therapy?
Narrative therapy is a collaborative, respectful approach built on a core idea: you are not the problem. The problem is the problem. By separating yourself from what's troubling you, you can look at it, understand how it operates, and decide how you want to respond. You're treated as the expert on your own life.
Where it comes from
Social workers Michael White (Australia) and David Epston (New Zealand) developed narrative therapy in the 1980s. It's influenced by anthropology and social theory, and pays particular attention to how culture, power and community shape the stories people live by.
How experiential therapy works
Externalizing — giving the problem a name and some distance ("the Worry," "the Critic")
Mapping its influence — how does it show up, what does it want, when is it strongest?
Finding unique outcomes — moments when the problem didn't win, which often go unnoticed
Re-authoring — building a richer, truer story from those moments
Witnessing — sometimes inviting others in to recognize and support the new story
What narrative therapy can help with
Low self-worth and identity questions
Anxiety and depression
Grief and loss
Life transitions
Experiences of discrimination or marginalization
Immigrant and diaspora experiences
Family and relationship conflict
Narrative therapy at Noema is offered by
Is narrative therapy right for me?
It may suit you if you feel defined by a label or a problem, if cultural and social context matters in your story, or if you prefer a collaborative therapist over one who tells you what's wrong.
Narrative therapy in Little Portugal and across Ontario
Our office is at 1364 Dundas Street West in Little Portugal, between Ossington Avenue and Dufferin Street — steps from Brockton Village and a short walk to Dufferin Grove, Queen West, and Trinity Bellwoods. We're on the 505 Dundas streetcar line and near the 29 Dufferin bus and 63 Ossington bus, and Liberty Village, Parkdale and Roncesvalles are a quick ride away.
FAQs
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It's more active than that. You're investigating how particular stories formed and choosing which ones to strengthen.
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Yes. Externalizing is especially helpful with children.
Here’s How to Connect
Fill out the form to schedule your free 20-minute intro call to explore how therapy can support you. We’ll help you get matched with the right therapist for you.
Email us with any questions you might have.
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