We live inside the stories we tell ourselves.
Consider your life as a story. What chapter are you in the middle of? What have you, the protagonist, had to go through to get where you are now? Who are the key characters who have influenced you, and who do you rely on now? Where is your story going, and what obstacles stand in the way?
The Old Testament is largely composed of stories, and throughout it we often encounter the phrase, “Remember the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt.” The people of Israel are continually encouraged to keep the story of God's faithfulness at the forefront of their minds. Later, during the Last Supper (which was, significantly, the traditional Passover meal commemorating Israel’s exodus from Egypt), Jesus instructed his disciples to partake of the bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood. He said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” linking his sacrifice to God’s ongoing story of salvation.
But keeping track of God’s narrative of human history and the important part he’s given to us to play in it can be difficult in a world oversaturated with stories. With smartphone apps, the average user scrolls 25 times per minute for over five hours a day, which makes upwards of 7,000 snippets of narrative flooding our minds daily. These competing posts, takes, and their explicit or implicit messages can be disorienting, especially when it conflicts with our own life story. In the midst of this confusion, the approach of Narrative Therapy can offer a helpful guide.
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative Therapy, developed by Michael White and David Epston in the early 1990s, is a therapeutic approach based on the premise that people create and tell stories about their experiences, relationships, and lives in order to make sense of and find meaning in the world. When working through pain and distress, a primary goal of Narrative Therapy is to externalize the problem as a challenge in front of them, not a fundamental part of their identity. This creates space for the problem to be “re-authored,” anchored in more hope and compassion. From a Christian perspective, we can recognize a clear intersection here with our experience of looking outward to Jesus as the Truth who sets us free, overriding the false narratives planted by Satan, the father of lies.
Re-authoring in Action
Let's consider how this might work in practice using a common issue like anxiety. Instead of concluding “I am an anxious person” as some fixed identity or internal flaw, Narrative Therapy encourages a different approach. First, externalize the problem of anxiety by naming it outside of yourself as a force to be resisted. Second, deconstruct the problem by breaking it down into smaller parts. Explore when it started, how it shows up, and ways it can be diminished. Challenge assumptions by asking questions like, "What story is this anxiety telling you?" and "Is it the full truth?.” Through this process, we can begin to recognize the problem as a product of specific circumstances rather than a permanent trait.
Finally, re-author the story by incorporating experiences where anxiety didn't have the final word - times where you were able to push through anxiety or expected to feel anxious but didn’t. These moments point you to a broader story of God-given strengths and resiliency. By amplifying the thoughts, feelings, and actions in those breakthrough moments, you can begin to create a new narrative.
Some might push back on this approach, suggesting that it sounds like wishful thinking or too good to be true. But that response can echo the voice of Satan, the "accuser," who amplifies our mistakes and weaknesses, making a convincing case to condemn us.
By contrast, the "Hall of Faith" found in Hebrews 11 is an almost scandalous re-authoring of characters in the Old Testament. While some had major character flaws and committed flagrant sins, what Heaven records is how God sees them through a lens of grace.
God is the author and perfecter of our faith. Invite him to be the Lord of your life (story) and see what a healing and freeing perspective he brings.
Written by: Aaron Jones, LCSW (Clinician)
BONUS MATERIAL!
Want more on Narrative Therapy? Click the image above for a free resource customized by the HCC team. The "Tree of Life" exercise is a helpful and practical way to begin understanding, exploring, and re-authoring your story.
Coping With Anxiety Group : Registration Now Open!
Anxiety can often cause us to feel alone in our struggles and helpless against the worries, fears, and doubts that are all around us. But the truth is, you are not alone, and God never intended for you to walk those struggles alone or without help from others.
Join us for our upcoming six-week group, Coping With Anxiety, where we will learn more about how anxiety works, gain practical tools and strategies to cope, and listen to and share with one another as we grow together. The group starts September 25th and space is limited. Click the link below for more info and registration. Hope to see you there!
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