Find a Narrative Therapy Therapist Serving Perth

Understanding Narrative Therapy and whether it might suit you

Narrative Therapy is an approach that focuses on the stories people tell about their lives. Rather than seeing difficulties as fixed traits, this approach helps you separate problems from your identity so you can explore different perspectives and possibilities. You and a counsellor will look at how cultural, family and social influences shape the narratives you live by, and work towards rewriting aspects of those stories that limit your choices or wellbeing. Many people seek Narrative Therapy when they want a collaborative, reflective process that emphasises meaning, values and personal agency rather than symptom management alone.

If you are considering this method, think about what you want to change in your life and how you like to reflect on your experiences. Narrative work often suits people who prefer conversation, metaphor and creative exploration over directive advice. It is commonly used for a range of concerns such as relationship issues, life transitions, grief, self-esteem and the ongoing effects of social narratives. When you read through counsellor profiles, note whether their descriptions of Narrative Therapy align with your expectations about how change happens through dialogue and reinterpretation.

How Narrative Therapy is delivered online and what that means for your sessions

Online Narrative Therapy can be delivered through video calls, telephone sessions or messaging, depending on the counsellor. Video sessions allow you to preserve face-to-face interaction and visual cues, which can be useful when you are working with personal stories and emotional material. Telephone or text-based formats may be preferable if you value flexibility or have limited data or bandwidth. Whatever format you choose, it is helpful to have a consistent place where you feel comfortable and free from interruptions. Some people set up a small area that is calm and personal to help them focus, while others prefer to move around and reflect while speaking by phone.

Working online alters some of the practicalities of counselling. You will need to think about technology - a reliable internet connection, a device with good audio and camera if using video, and a plan for how to handle disconnections or cancelled sessions. It can also change the pace of therapy; many people find that the convenience of online access helps them maintain continuity, while others notice differences in how emotional material surfaces over a screen. When comparing counsellors, ask about their experience delivering Narrative Therapy online and how they adapt techniques such as externalising conversations or re-authoring exercises to a remote setting.

Choosing and comparing online Narrative counsellors - what to ask

When you are comparing practitioners, focus on fit as much as qualifications. You can ask how long they have practised with Narrative Therapy and what contexts they usually work with. It is reasonable to request examples of how they structure sessions, how they invite alternative stories to emerge, and how they involve significant others if that is relevant to your work. Ask about their approach to cultural diversity and whether they have experience working with people from backgrounds similar to yours. That helps you understand how they consider social, cultural and historical influences in the stories they explore with clients.

You should also clarify practical matters before you commit. Inquire about session length, typical frequency, cancellation and rescheduling policies, and whether they offer a sliding scale or different fee options. If you have health insurance or other rebate arrangements, ask whether the counsellor can provide receipts that might support a claim. It is appropriate to ask how they manage follow-up between sessions, whether they provide written summaries or therapeutic tasks, and how they measure progress. These questions help you compare counsellors on more than reputation alone and give you a clearer sense of how a therapeutic relationship would feel in practice.

Preparing for your first online Narrative Therapy sessions and what to expect

Your initial session will often focus on establishing rapport and mapping the important stories in your life. The counsellor will usually invite you to share what brought you to therapy, and they will listen for patterns, values and influences that shape your narrative. You might be asked to identify moments when a problem did not dominate, which helps build a broader sense of identity and possibility. Expect a conversational tone rather than a checklist, with the counsellor offering reflections and questions that open up new ways of viewing events rather than prescribing solutions.

Practically, prepare by choosing a time when you can be present and attentive. If using video, test your connection and audio a few minutes beforehand. Think about the themes you want to explore, but do not feel obliged to present a polished story - the therapeutic process is about unfolding and noticing details together. If you have concerns about emotion or distress during sessions, discuss how the counsellor supports people when intense feelings arise, including any interim contact arrangements and local emergency options. This helps you plan for safety and ensures you feel supported while working through meaningful material.

Costs, scheduling, cancellations and continuing your work at a distance

Fees for online Narrative Therapy vary according to counsellor experience, session length and the service model they use. Some counsellors offer a range of appointment times, including evenings or weekends, which can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life. If affordability is a concern, ask about reduced-fee sessions or whether the counsellor offers shorter appointments to help you start with a manageable commitment. Clear explanations about cancellation policies and notice periods are important so you know what to expect if your plans change.

Continuing therapy across distance can feel different from seeing someone in person, but it also brings practical advantages. You can maintain continuity if you move around the city or travel, and you may have access to a wider range of practitioners who specialise in Narrative Therapy. To keep your momentum, agree on short-term goals with your counsellor and review them regularly. Between sessions, you might be given reflective tasks or prompts to help you notice stories as they unfold in daily life. If your circumstances change and you need to pause or change the format of your sessions, discuss options early so you can return to the work with a clear plan if you decide to resume.

Final thoughts

Choosing an online counsellor who uses Narrative Therapy is a personal process. You want someone whose style and values feel compatible with the way you think about your story and the changes you want to make. Take the time to read profiles, ask practical questions about online delivery and fees, and arrange an initial consultation to gauge rapport. With clear communication and a good practical setup, Narrative Therapy can be conducted effectively online and may help you reframe limiting narratives and make choices that align with your values and goals.