Individual Therapy: Rewriting Your Story

As you attend individual therapy, you work with your therapist to share your story. This story might be about a specific incident. Or maybe it’s about a frustrating relationship. The way you tell your story to yourself and others will inform how you see your world and how you approach problems. 

The stories you tell yourself can be empowering, motivating, and encouraging. Sadly, these stories can also do the opposite. Your stories may seem discouraging, frustrating, or confusing. How can you get out of these limiting ways of thinking? Is there a way to edit your story? Today, you will learn about the importance of your story, and how individual therapy can help you realign your outlook. 

Your Story

As you perceive your experiences from your point of view, you create stories. These stories are more than just the facts of what happened. Your stories about your experiences create meaning and significance. The things that happen in your life will inform how you approach problems, your relationships, and may even shift your perspective. (Related article: The Power of Storytelling)

Stories, Themes, And Beliefs

Your stories create your beliefs about the world. Like a story in a book or tv show, themes will start to emerge. And these themes tell you how to think about your world… and yourself. 

Some of these stories will be helpful and motivational. For example, you might have a story in your mind about how it’s important to forgive yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. 

Alternatively, some stories can hold you back. Maybe you tell yourself the story that if you struggle, you will ultimately fail. Your stories are powerful. And some may be hard to spot. Especially the ones that may hinder your ability to problem solve and thrive (Related article: Learning to Cope in Individual Therapy) 

You Can Rewrite Your Story

Sometimes, these stories you tell can seem permanent and unchanging. This is especially true if these stories have existed for your entire life. You might not know any different! 

So, what do you do if these stories are damaging to your self esteem and your relationships? There are many ways you can tackle and rewrite your story. Let’s talk about an exercise you can try to begin to understand and improve your story. 

Write it Out

It’s your story… Why not write it down? This technique can be especially useful if you are struggling to gain control over your story about a specific event. Try to write your story as completely as possible. Include basic details about what happened, but also include the emotions you experienced throughout the process, too. 

When you are done, take some time to review your story. Think of it like a book report from your days in school. Look for themes and broader ideas. Try to spot patterns in your thinking and reactions. (Related Article: Emotions 101: How to Be Emotionally Healthy). Taking the time to write it out can make it easier to find things that may be holding you back.

Tell Your Story in Individual Therapy

The problematic patterns and themes in your story can be great topics to bring up in individual therapy. A therapist can help you better understand and rewrite the stories you tell yourself so that you are empowered to solve problems and create a life you love. That’s the best part of therapy; your story can always be changed for the better!

Interested in telling your story? Begin indivi dual therapy with a therapist in Orem, South Jordan, or Spanish Fork.

Written By Lauren Adkins