Have you ever paused to consider the story you tell yourself about who you are?
So many of us carry quiet, persistent narratives in the background of our lives, often formed years ago, in childhood or early adulthood, that shape how we see ourselves, relate to others, and make decisions. These stories can be empowering, but more often than not, they limit us. And the beautiful truth is: they can be rewritten.
What Is a Self-Narrative?
A self-narrative is the internal dialogue or story we carry about ourselves, who we are, what we’re capable of, and how we fit into the world. It’s usually shaped by our experiences, the words of those around us, cultural expectations, and how we interpreted key moments in our lives. Over time, these beliefs become part of our identity.
You might not even realise you have one until a particular thought keeps showing up in different areas of your life:“I’m not good enough.”
“I always get things wrong.”
“I have to be strong for everyone.”
These stories can sit silently under the surface, influencing how we feel about ourselves and how we show up in the world.
When the Story Keeps You Stuck
It’s not uncommon to carry stories that once protected us or helped us make sense of our environment, especially in childhood. But as we grow, these old narratives can become the very thing that holds us back.
Imagine carrying the belief that you always have to be the strong one, never asking for help, never showing vulnerability. It might keep you functioning on the outside, but over time it can lead to exhaustion, isolation, or even anxiety and low mood.
Recognising that these stories are not truths, but rather beliefs that were shaped by the past, is the first step to change.
How Therapy Can Help You Rewrite the Narrative
One of the most powerful things about the therapies I offer, such as hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), counselling, and IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) is that they gently help you explore and transform the root of these internal stories. Through therapy, you can:
- Discover where a belief came from.
- Release the emotional weight connected to it.
- See yourself and your story with more compassion.
- Reframe limiting thoughts into something far more supportive and aligned with who you truly are.
From “I’m Broken” to “I’m Growing”
I once worked with a client who came in feeling lost and overwhelmed. At the heart of it all was a deep-rooted belief: “I’m broken.” Through gentle therapeutic work, we explored the origins of that feeling, memories, past relationships, and life experiences that had reinforced that narrative. Over time, she began to reconnect with parts of herself she had forgotten, strength, creativity, resilience. Her story slowly shifted from “I’m broken” to “I’m healing” and eventually to “I’m growing and becoming more myself every day.”
It was never about pretending everything was perfect. It was about allowing a more compassionate, empowered story to emerge.
Pause and Reflect: What’s Your Inner Story?
If this resonates with you, I invite you to take a moment and gently reflect:
- What belief do I carry about myself that might be limiting me?
- When did I first start to believe this?
- How has this belief protected or served me in the past?
- What would I rather believe?
- How would I feel and behave differently if I held that new belief?
These questions aren’t about fixing yourself, because you’re not broken, they’re about reconnecting with the parts of you that deserve to be heard, healed, and re-written with love.
The Next Chapter Is Yours
Our inner stories are powerful. They shape how we think, feel, and live. But they are not fixed. They can be explored, challenged, and rewritten in ways that bring relief, freedom, and joy.
If you’re curious about exploring your own narrative in a safe, supportive space, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you. Whether through hypnotherapy, counselling, or a blend of approaches, together we can begin creating the next chapter, one rooted in truth, compassion, and lasting positive change.
