Narrative Therapy Castle Rock Colorado
Narrative therapy with Ashley Jangro, LPCC. Rewrite your life story by separating yourself from your problems and discovering your preferred identity.
Narrative Therapy
Rewrite your story, reclaim your identity
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy views people as the authors of their own lives. You are not the problem - the problem is the problem. This approach helps you separate from negative stories and discover your preferred identity and values.
Narrative Therapy Helps With
Core Narrative Concepts
The problem is separate from your identity - you have anxiety, you are not anxious
You have the power to re-author your life story in alignment with your values
Times when you've resisted the problem reveal your preferred identity
Narrative Therapy Techniques
Narrative therapy uses specific conversational practices to help you externalize problems, discover your strengths, and re-author your life story.
Externalizing Conversations
Separate yourself from the problem by giving it a name and exploring its effects on your life
Unique Outcomes
Discover times when you successfully resisted or overcame the problem
Re-authoring Conversations
Develop alternative stories that align with your preferred identity and values
Outsider Witness Practices
Invite supportive voices and perspectives to witness and validate your preferred story
Externalizing Questions Example
Instead of: "I am depressed"
We explore: "How has Depression been affecting your life?"
Exploring Effects:
- • How does Depression influence your relationships?
- • What does Depression tell you about yourself?
- • How does Depression affect your daily routines?
- • What opportunities has Depression cost you?
Finding Resistance:
- • When have you not allowed Depression to have the final say?
- • What does it say about you that you're here seeking help?
- • How do you account for times when you've resisted Depression's influence?
- • What would your closest friends say about your character?
My Narrative Therapy Approach
In narrative therapy, I take a curious, non-expert stance. You are the expert on your own life - I'm here to ask thoughtful questions that help you discover your own wisdom.
Session Process
Therapeutic Stance
Decentered & Influential
I don't position myself as the expert - you know your life best
Curious & Respectful
Genuine curiosity about your experience without making assumptions
Culturally Responsive
Honor your cultural background and social context
Strength-Focused
Highlight your skills, knowledge, and resistance to problems
The Power of Re-authoring
When we separate you from your problems and discover your preferred identity, profound changes become possible. You begin to see yourself not as someone who "has issues" but as someone with skills, values, and the capacity to author a life that reflects who you really are.
From Problem Stories:
- • "I am anxious"
- • "I always fail"
- • "I'm not good enough"
- • "I can't handle stress"
To Preferred Stories:
- • "I am someone who struggles with anxiety but has many coping skills"
- • "I am persistent and learn from setbacks"
- • "I am worthy and have valuable contributions to make"
- • "I am developing strength and resilience"