Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy services offered in Houston, TX

Everyone has a story. But sometimes, that story becomes shaped by pain, trauma, or negative beliefs that don’t reflect who a person truly is, or who they want to be. Narrative therapy offered by Leann Smith, PhD, and the team at The Mending Place PLLC, located in Houston, Texas, provides a compassionate and empowering way to explore those stories, understand their impact, and begin to re-author a life that aligns with values, strengths, and goals. It’s not about “fixing” someone. It’s about helping individuals see themselves as separate from their problems and capable of change. To learn more about narrative therapy, call The Mending Place PLLC or request an appointment online today.

Narrative Therapy Q & A

What is narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is a form of talk therapy that centers around the idea that people are not defined by their problems. Instead of labeling someone as “anxious” or “depressed,” narrative therapy sees these issues as external challenges that a person is experiencing—not who they are at their core.

In therapy sessions, individuals are encouraged to explore the stories they’ve been telling themselves (or that others have told them) about who they are. These stories might come from past experiences, family beliefs, or societal messages. Narrative therapy helps bring those stories into focus and opens the door to exploring alternative perspectives—ones that highlight resilience, values, and possibility.

What kinds of issues can narrative therapy help with?

Narrative therapy can be helpful for a wide range of concerns. It’s especially supportive for people who feel stuck in negative self-beliefs or defined by a past experience. Some of the challenges it can address include:

Anxiety and depression
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Grief and loss
Relationship struggles
Identity and self-esteem issues
Life transitions
Family conflicts
Cultural or generational narratives

Because narrative therapy is so personalized, it can be adapted for individuals, couples, families, or even children and teens. It invites people of all backgrounds to explore their experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

What are the benefits of narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy offers more than just a space to talk—it encourages lasting change by helping individuals reshape the way they see themselves. Some of the key benefits include:

A greater sense of agency and self-understanding
Distance from negative or harmful self-definitions
Increased confidence and clarity around personal values
Healing from the effects of trauma or loss
Strengthened relationships through new ways of communicating
A deeper understanding of how cultural, family, or social influences have shaped identity

Rather than focusing only on “what’s wrong,” narrative therapy emphasizes what’s meaningful, strong, and possible in a person’s life.

How does narrative therapy work?

Narrative therapy sessions are collaborative and conversational. At The Mending Place PLLC, Dr. Smith acts more like a guide than an expert, helping individuals explore the dominant stories in their lives—those internalized beliefs that may be keeping them stuck or in pain. Through gentle questioning and reflection, Dr. Smith works with you to deconstruct these narratives and uncover alternative stories that are more empowering, hopeful, or aligned with the person’s true sense of self.

Techniques may include writing exercises, re-authoring conversations, or identifying “sparkling moments” when a person feels strong, capable, or connected to what matters most. Over time, individuals begin to see their lives in a new light, with more space for choice, growth, and healing.

Narrative therapy reminds people that they are not broken—they are storytellers. And with the right support, they can begin to write a new chapter.

To experience the benefits of narrative therapy for yourself, call The Mending Place PLLC or request an appointment online today.