Narrative Therapy in Utah
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative, respectful approach that helps you step back from problems, see the bigger story of your life, and re-author a future that fits your values. Instead of labeling you as the problem, we view the problem as the problem—and your strengths, skills, and hopes become the main characters of your story.
At Willow Therapy Utah in Pleasant Grove, we offer Narrative Therapy in person and through statewide telehealth. We often blend it with evidence-based care such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, DBT, EMDR, or Trauma-Focused Therapy to match your goals.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy views identity as shaped by stories—stories we tell ourselves and stories we’ve been told by family, culture, faith, or past experiences. When a problem-saturated story takes over (“I’m broken,” “I always fail”), life can feel narrow and stuck. Narrative work helps you name the influence of the problem, find exceptions and unique outcomes, and build a preferred story that honors your values.
Common Narrative Therapy practices:
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Externalizing conversations – separating you from the problem (“Anxiety is turning up the volume,” not “I am anxious”).
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Mapping the effects – where and how the problem shows up.
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Deconstruction – examining unhelpful beliefs or cultural messages.
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Identifying unique outcomes – moments the problem didn’t win.
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Re-authoring – growing a preferred story with next steps and supports.
For an accessible overview of Narrative Therapy’s roots and methods, see the Dulwich Centre (founders of the approach): dulwichcentre.com.au — a respected educational resource.
Who Is Narrative Therapy For?
Narrative Therapy is versatile and empowering across ages and identities. Utah clients choose it for:
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Anxiety & stress – pair with Anxiety Therapy and skills for emotional regulation.
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Depression & low self-worth – alongside Depression Counseling.
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Trauma & PTSD – coordinated with Trauma-Focused Therapy or CPT.
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Addiction & habit change – team up with Addiction Therapy or substance abuse counseling.
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Relationships & family – with Couples Counseling and Family Therapy.
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Teens and young adults – supportive identity work with Therapists for Teenagers.
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Grief, faith, and life transitions – see Grief & Loss Counseling, Faith Transition Therapy, and Navigating Life Transitions.
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Culture & identity – values-aligned care with Culturally Sensitive Therapy and, when desired, Christian-Based Counseling.
Prefer virtual sessions? We serve the whole state through secure telehealth counseling.
Benefits of Narrative Therapy
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See yourself as more than a diagnosis or problem
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Reduce shame and self-criticism; increase self-compassion
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Reconnect with values, strengths, and supportive relationships
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Create practical next steps that fit your preferred story
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Improve communication and boundaries (pair with Communication Therapy)
For group support that reinforces your new story, explore our Group Therapy.
What Sessions Look Like
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Get to know your story – what matters to you, who supports you, and how the problem operates.
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Externalize & map the influence – where the problem shows up and what it tries to take.
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Find unique outcomes – times you resisted the problem’s plot.
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Re-author & practice – build the next chapters with skills from CBT/DBT, mindfulness, or values-based action.
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Strengthen the audience – bring safe people into your preferred story (family, friends, community, faith).
New to counseling? Here’s a quick primer on how counseling works.
Why Choose Willow Therapy Utah
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Licensed, compassionate clinicians trained in Narrative Therapy and integrative, evidence-based care
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Personalized plans that honor your values and culture
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Insurance-friendly: see accepted insurance providers (Select Health, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, PEHP, Aetna, TRICARE/Health Choice, and more) and details on therapy cost with insurance.
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Convenient access: Pleasant Grove office plus statewide telehealth. See nearby locations: Lehi, Orem, American Fork, Highland, Alpine, Lindon, Saratoga Springs.
Meet the team: Our Therapists.
FAQs
Is Narrative Therapy evidence-based?
Yes—research supports narrative practices across trauma, mood, and relationship concerns. It’s often integrated with CBT, CPT, or EMDR for comprehensive care.
How many sessions will I need?
Some clients notice shifts in a few sessions; others prefer ongoing support. We’ll tailor the pace to your goals.
Can we include faith or culture in the process?
Absolutely. Your values inform your preferred story. We provide sensitive care including Christian-Based Counseling and Culturally Sensitive Therapy.
Start Narrative Therapy in Utah
Ready to step into a story that fits who you are becoming? We’re here to help.
Call (801) 410-0542 • Schedule an appointment • Contact us
Want to browse more approaches? See our Therapy Approaches hub.