Narrative Editing
Unlearn a faulty self-story and write the next chapter differently
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to result
- ~months to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 96%
Gottlieb uses her earlier work as a writer to frame therapy as both knowing and unknowing yourself. People often carry old stories—such as being unlovable, unintelligent, or unable to trust—that came from words, treatment, bullying, or misunderstood differences. Those premises shape what the protagonist expects and therefore which next chapter gets written. Narrative editing first identifies the story and its source, then tests whether it remains accurate. It also examines whether major supporting characters should become more minor, whether neglected people deserve a larger role, and whether the protagonist is moving forward or circling. The revised narrative must remain evidence-based; its purpose is not empty affirmation but a more accurate premise that permits different choices.
Origin
Gottlieb says she was a writer before becoming a therapist and uses writing concepts in therapy to help people edit stories about themselves.
Core principles
- 01Self-knowledge includes unlearning stories that may be false
- 02A character premise shapes the next chapter's choices
- 03Supporting characters can occupy too much or too little space
- 04A useful story moves the protagonist forward rather than in circles
How to run it
- 1
Find the governing story
Complete the sentence that seems to explain your repeated choice, such as I cannot trust anyone or I am not smart. Connect it to the behaviour it produces.
Pro tip Look for absolute language such as always, nobody, and never.
- 2
Trace the author
Identify the words, actions, school experiences, or relationships from which the belief emerged. Separate its origin from proof that it is still true.
Pro tip Include messages conveyed through neglect or inconsistent treatment.
Watch out Understanding an origin does not excuse present harm.
- 3
Test the premise
Gather current evidence supporting and contradicting the story. Replace a global verdict with the narrowest accurate description.
Pro tip Ask how a neutral biographer would characterize the evidence.
- 4
Recast the characters
Decide which relationships deserve more or less influence in the next chapter. Adjust access and attention accordingly.
Pro tip Do not confuse long history with a right to remain a major character.
- 5
Write forward
Choose one action consistent with the more accurate premise. Review whether the protagonist is moving toward the wanted life rather than repeating the old plot.
Pro tip Make the next chapter an observable action, not a slogan.
In the wild
Gottlieb gives the example of someone with ADHD who may have been told they were not smart because adults did not recognize that they learned differently. Narrative editing tests that inherited conclusion rather than treating it as settled identity.
→ A more accurate premise can support different educational, professional, and personal choices.
Common mistakes
Replacing evidence with affirmation
The revised story should be more accurate, not merely more flattering.
Explaining without acting
A sophisticated origin story still goes in circles if the next chapter repeats the same choice.
Is it for you?
Best for
People who repeatedly organize decisions around stories such as being unlovable, unintelligent, or unable to trust.
Not ideal for
Replacing trauma treatment with positive storytelling or denying real constraints and harmful experiences.
From the transcript
“part of learning about yourself is learning what the faulty narratives are”
“is the protagonist going in circles, or is the protagonist moving forward?”
From the episode
The Relationship Therapist: "This Statistically Is The Best Age To Get Married So You Don't Get A Divorce!", "Men Should Not Split The Bill", "80% Of Women Want Men Over 6ft When Only 15% Are 6ft!"