The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Unraveling Inner Narratives
We all carry stories about who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’re capable of. These inner narratives shape how we see the world, how we relate to others, and how we move through life. But not all of these stories are helpful. Some are rooted in old wounds, fears, or misunderstandings that no longer serve us.
You might tell yourself, I’m not good enough, I’ll always be alone, or I have to take care of everything myself. These stories often feel true because they’ve been with you for so long, playing quietly in the background of your mind. But they’re not the full truth—they’re fragments, shaped by past experiences that may no longer align with your present reality.
Therapy is a space to unravel these narratives, to hold them up to the light and ask: Is this story mine? Is it true? And if it’s not, what might I tell myself instead? This process isn’t about denying your experiences or erasing your past—it’s about rewriting the script in a way that honors where you’ve been while opening the door to where you want to go.
Reframing these stories takes time and self-compassion. It starts with noticing them, gently challenging them, and creating space for new perspectives. For example, instead of saying, I’m not good enough, you might ask, What evidence do I have that I am? Instead of I’ll always be alone, you might reflect, What would it feel like to trust in the connections I’m building now?
These small shifts add up. Over time, the stories that once felt like hard truths become softer, more flexible. You begin to realize that you are not your narratives—you are the author of them. And as the author, you have the power to write something new.
Exploration for Inner Narratives
Journaling Prompt: What is one story I tell myself about who I am? Where did it come from, and how does it affect me?
Reflection Practice: When a limiting thought arises, pause and ask, Is this true? What else could be true?
In Therapy: Explore the origins of a story you’ve carried for a long time. What purpose did it serve, and what might it look like to let it evolve?
Your inner narratives are not set in stone. They are stories, and like all stories, they can change. With curiosity and care, you can begin to write new chapters—ones that reflect the person you’re becoming, not just the person you’ve been. Let’s explore this process together.
