Narrative Therapy Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: Stephanie Yates, licensed associate marriage and family therapist.
• Audience: Fellow therapists and individuals considering becoming therapists.
• Focus: Exploring the popular model—Narrative Therapy.

Background

• Development: Created by Michael White and David Epstein.
• Category: Postmodern therapy model.
• Comparison: Discusses Narrative Therapy as similar to CBT in popularity.

Core Concepts

• Social Constructionism: Recognizing how social contexts shape perceptions and behaviors.
• Therapist Role: Not as an expert, but as a guide. Collaborative approach.
• Narratives: Individuals organize reality through stories about themselves and their world.

Narrative Therapy Principles

• Externalization: Separating the problem from the person.
  • Useful in managing dynamics like blame in relationships.
• Constructing Positive Stories: Clients are encouraged to create empowering narratives.
  • Transforming victim narratives into ones of victory.

Therapy Process

1. Describing the Problem: Initial step involves defining why therapy is sought.
   • Introduce concept of externalizing the problem.
2. Mapping the Effects: Explore how problems affect individuals and how individuals contribute to problems.
3. Evaluating the Problem: Assess both negative and positive aspects of the issue.
4. Identifying Unique Outcomes: Discover exceptions to the problem to reshape narratives.
5. Re-storying: Focus on creating an alternative, more positive narrative.

Techniques

• Therapist as Co-Author: Empathizing with the client's experiences.
  • Avoid making assumptions or providing solutions.
• Questioning: Use deconstruction questions to understand perceptions.
• Therapeutic Letters: Writing letters to clients summarizing progress and therapy narratives.
• Creative Acknowledgment: Use certificates or awards to acknowledge achievements.

Goals

• Empower Clients: Help clients view themselves positively and recognize their resilience.
• Create Satisfying Narratives: Reduce problem-saturated stories to improve optimism and hope.

Conclusion

• Assessment: Narrative therapy is seen as an inspiring and effective approach.
• Engagement: Encourages viewer interaction through likes, subscribes, and shares.