Narrative Therapy Calgary

Takeaway: We are all influenced by stories. Some of these stories involve us actively, while others impose themselves on us. When problems occur, as they inevitably do, “problem stories” have a tendency to overshadow other stories.

narrative therapy calgary

Who doesn’t love a good story? Stories certainly have the power to amuse and delight. However, stories do a lot more than just entertain. Stories have the power to impact how we think, act, and feel. They have the potential to connect, inform, and influence us as individuals, families, and whole communities. Narrative therapy (NT) seeks to help people understand the stories that influence their lives and make better choices by highlighting those experiences that fit within their preferred story.

At the heart of narrative therapy is the belief that people are multi-storied—there’s more to a person than meets the eye. Although we are all multi-storied, some stories naturally hold more weight, whereas others are not as apparent. Some stories are thrust upon us (e.g., racism, sexism, ageism) while we have greater choice and control over others. Narrative therapy seeks to assist people in identifying the stories that influence their lives, both for good and bad. 

We have used narrative therapy with a wide variety of people, populations, and problems, including children, youth, couples , and families. Many different problem areas and age groups have benefited from the application of narrative therapy. A key belief within this framework is that the client is the best expert in their reality. This means that when approaching problems, you are an "expert" in your problem areas. 

Narrative therapy commonly addresses a wide range of problem areas, such as trauma, addictions, mental health concerns, and relationship issues.

Our team of therapists at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates is here to support you. Reach out and book a free 30-minute consultation.

4 of the Best Narrative Therapists in Calgary

Kim Noll

  • Credentials: REGISTERED PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST  

  • Clientele:  Adults, youth 13+

  • Specialty area examples: 

    • Infertility
    • Early  & late pregnancy loss
    • Infant loss
    • Stillbirth
    • Parenting after loss
  • Modalities used:

    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    • Solution Focused Therapy
    • Trauma-Informed
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Narrative Therapy

       

  • Virtual & In person therapy?: Yes

 

 

More About Kim

Laura Laidlaw

  • Credentials: CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

  • Clientele:  Adults, Youth 13+

  • Specialty area examples: 

    • Autism (teen & adults)
    • All forms of substance abuse and co-occurring illnesses
    • Living with Addiction
    • Supporting Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families

     

  • Modalities used:

    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    • Solution Focused Therapy
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Strength Based Therapy
    • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
    • Trauma Informed Therapy
    • Somatic Therapies  
  • Virtual & In person therapy?: Yes

More About Laura

Marizabel Forno

  • Credentials: REGISTERED PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST / REGISTERED PROVISIONAL SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Clientele:  Adults, youth 13+, children 6+ couples & families

  • Specialty area examples: 

    • sports related injuries
    • performance anxiety on and off the field
    • team dynamics
    • identity (during / after injury)
    • life transitions
    • other sport-related counselling topics      
  •  Modalities used:

    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
    • Attachment-Based Therapy
    • Trauma-Informed
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Somatic Therapies
    • Strength Based Therapy 
  •  
  • Virtual & In person therapy?: Yes

More About Marizabel

Shelly Qualtieri

  • Credentials: FOUNDER & OWNER: REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER (RSW)

  • Clientele:  Adults, youth 13 +, couples

    Specialty area examples: 

  •  Modalities used:

    • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
    • Strength Based Therapy
    • Solution Focused Therapy
    • Person-Centered
    • Somatic Therapies
    • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
    • Narrative Therapy
    • Trauma-Informed  

       

  • Virtual & In person therapy?: Yes

 

 

 

More About Shelly

At Shelly Qualtieri and Associates, we understand how deeply your experiences shape your life. Trauma, abuse, shame, or abandonment—these stories can hold you captive, preventing you from living your life authentically.

Your story matters and profoundly shapes who you are today. We believe it's time to reclaim your narrative, to break free from the chains of numbness, hiding, and suffering.

Each of our Calgary-based therapists specializes in narrative therapy. With practical tools and strategies tailored to your needs, we'll guide and empower you to confront the root of your challenges and embark on a positive journey of healing. 

Don't let your past dictate your future. Take the first step towards reclaiming your story.

Connect here to schedule a free phone consultation.