The Who of Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy emerged in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It was Michael White (from Adelaide, Australia) and David Epston (from Aukland, New Zealand) who developed narrative therapy in this time, their work helping it to become more widely recognised as we entered the 1980s and 1990s. It is now a mainstream modality around the world.
The What of Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy delves into the stories people tell about their lives. It aims to help people reframe their experiences and build more empowering narratives about their life and who they are. It encourages the individual to be respectful of themselves and move away from any self-blame or self-judgement. It helps the individual see themselves as making a mistake rather than seeing themselves as being bad, for example. In narrative therapy, the therapist is positioned as collaborative rather than the authority, which in turn allows the individual more control and power over their story and healing process.
The How of Narrative Therapy
Key processes of narrative therapy:
Externalisation: Helping clients separate themselves from their problems by treating the problem as an external entity.
Re-authoring: Encouraging clients to rewrite their life stories in a more empowering and positive way.
Identifying Unique Outcomes: Finding and amplifying instances where the client has successfully dealt with problems.
Deconstruction: Breaking down dominant, problematic narratives to understand their origins and impact.
Narrative therapy is best suited to individuals dealing with identity issues, trauma and those who feel stuck in negative life stories by co-discovery through conversation and story telling, allowing the individual to see previously unrecognised and hidden possibilities contained within themselves to re-author the stories of their lives.
Narrative Therapy Books to Read
Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends - Michael White and David Epston
Maps of Narrative Practice - Michael White
Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities - Jill Freedman and Gene Combs
Re-Authoring Lives: Interviews and Essays - Michael White
Narrative Therapy in Practice: The Archaeology of Hope - edited by Gerald Monk, John Winslade, Kathie Crocket, and David Epston
Parting thoughts
It is so important to find the right kind of therapeutic modality that fits your or your loved ones condition, personality and preference. There is no one-size-fits-all therapy. Even when you find a modality that resonates, it can take some work to find the right practitioner too. Not all therapists are created equal and again, it is important to find the right fit. Don't be afraid to shop around. Don't be afraid to tell a therapy sorry, you aren't the right fit for me, can you please refer me onward. You will know when it's not the right fit and so will they. Make sure you have a look at the master blog: Not All Therapy Is Equal: A Series to explore some of the other modalities out there.
If You Need Extra Support
Australia (Call 000 in a medical emergency)
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 13 11 14
Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ (02) 9382 2991
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Around the World
BetterHelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/
New Zealand - Lifeline - 0800 543 354
USA and Canada - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 (call 911 in a medical emergency)
UK - Samaritans - 116 123
UK - SANEline - 0300 304 7000
Canada - https://kidshelpphone.ca/ 1800 668 68 68 or text 68 68 68
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