At UYC, we believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our clinicians have pursued training in a diverse range of evidence-based modalities to better support your healing journey. Please note that while our therapists are trained in these frameworks, every treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the individual client. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine the best approach for your specific goals, often integrating tools from multiple modalities rather than relying on just one.
What is the Narrative Therapy Framework?
Developed by Michael White and David Epston, Narrative Therapy is an evidence-informed approach centered on the idea that problems are external to people, rather than internal flaws.
A narrative framework focuses on identifying "problem-saturated" stories—such as feeling "I am an anxious person" or "I am a failure"—and examining them with curiosity. By separating your identity from the challenge (externalization), you can explore overlooked strengths, values, and experiences to construct alternative, preferred stories that foster agency and hope.
How Is It Used In Therapy?
A Narrative-informed approach means drawing from narrative tools alongside other established clinical frameworks.
Therapy is always collaborative and individualized. Your therapist will work alongside you to determine the best approach or blend of interventions for your specific needs and goals. Incorporating Narrative Therapy frameworks can be helpful for:
Externalizing challenges (viewing problems like anxiety or grief as separate entities rather than core identity traits).
Identifying personal values, skills, and unique outcomes that problem stories overlook.
Re-authoring life stories to align with personal goals, strengths, and aspirations.
Exploring cultural, social, and contextual factors that influence how we understand ourselves.
Our Team & Approach
Integrative Practice: We draw from Narrative frameworks as conceptual tools within a broader therapeutic approach rather than offering certified, single-modality protocols.
Clinician Alignment: Select therapists on our team have a clinical interest in narrative frameworks and draw from narrative-informed principles to support their work with clients.
Client Matching: Because therapist backgrounds, learning interests, and clinical approaches vary across our practice, we encourage you to view our team profiles or connect with our intake team to find a practitioner whose approach aligns with your goals.
Learn More
If you are interested in exploring therapy or learning more about our approaches, reach out today to connect with our team.