Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy
“Capture and hold the ideas that inform narrative, keeping the principles visible over the course of a therapeutic conversation.”
Narrative Therapy is a therapeutic practice that can involve self-reflective writing (or speaking) to externalize the problems or events of our lives (the narratives we tell ourselves) in order to examine them objectively. This externalization process helps us see the problems outside of ourselves, which invites a level of self-awareness often lost when we’re in the height of our personal problems. Developed in 1980 by New Zealand-based therapists, David Epston and Michael White, they believed it was critical for individuals to see themselves separate from their issues.
Narrative Therapy: Lives More Manageable
Narrative therapy is non-blaming in nature in order to make the problems of our lives more manageable to overcome. But by the same token, it is a practice that can keep an individual highly accountable for the future, as they begin to unravel and get honest about the stories they’ve been telling themselves. This practice
recognizes the client as the expert, and an accountable and integral part of the way their future will unfold. Narrative therapy for this reason, isn’t concerned with diagnoses and a therapist merely guides the individual in the healing process.
Narrative Therapy
Relationship Skills
Narrative Therapy is for anyone of any age, race or class. It can be for students or professionals.
This approach seeks to reach one of three goals: to put “untold” aspects of the client’s past into the life narrative, help clients emotionally enter and reauthor their own stories, or help clients construct new meanings in relation to stories that may emerge in therapy.
How Is Narrative Therapy Used?
Individuals, couples, or families may use narrative therapy. In a couple or family setting, the technique of externalizing problems facilitates positive interaction. It can also make negative communication more accepting and meaningful. Seeing a problem objectively helps couples and families reconnect with the heart of their relationship. They may be able to address how the problem has challenged the core strength of their bond.
- Helping people objectify their problems
- Framing the problems within a larger sociocultural context
- Teaching the person how to make room for other stories
Narrative Therapy Goals and Benefits
Narrative therapy does not seek to transform the person in therapy. Instead, it aims to transform the effects of a problem. Its goal is to make space between a person and their issue. This makes it possible to see how a certain concern is serving a person, rather than harming them.
For example, posttraumatic stress can be a defense mechanism. It might help protect someone from the difficult emotions associated with an event. But it also brings new symptoms, such as anxiety. Narrative therapy helps people externalize an issue. This process can help people develop greater self-compassion. Self-compassion may help people feel more capable of change. Some psychologists have identified a process termed post traumatic growth. This term accounts for the positive change that can occur after going through a traumatic event.
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