Narrative Therapy: The Power OF Story
A quick INtroduction to Narrative Therapy, an Approach that creates pathways out of Problems by Focusing on the stories we tell.
You should see the stack of journals I have produced over the last several years. I’d originally started writing because a loved one suggested it might be helpful for addressing my issues with remembering my experiences. But then, at a certain point, there was an exponential explosion of journaling as I grappled with chaotic changes playing out in my life. I felt an extremely strong need to tell the story of what was happening, sometimes in tremendous detail, page after page after page.
I found that this practice gave me a lot of insight into my own point of view, and the habitual ways I made sense of my experiences. As I began learning about Narrative Therapy, I saw that I had accidentally stumbled onto a powerful way to heal and change.
Today, Narrative Therapy has a big influence on the way I practice therapy. Rooted in constructivist principles, NT invites us to examine the stories we tell about ourselves and our experiences. By re-authoring these narratives, we can uncover solutions and pathways to growth.
The Core Philosophy of Narrative Therapy
At its heart, Narrative Therapy suggests that we are not defined by our problems. In the words of Michael White and David Epston, NT’s co-creators, “The problem is the problem; the person is not the problem.” Instead, the issues we face are separate entities that can be examined and addressed. This perspective shifts the focus from blame to understanding. When we externalize our problems, we can engage with them more constructively. Gradually, we see our struggles as something we have a relationship with, rather than as an inherent part of ourselves.
Key Assumptions of Narrative Therapy
Social Constructivism: Our realities are collaboratively constructed through language and shared experiences. This means that our understanding of ourselves and our problems is shaped by the narratives we and others create.
Subjectivity: Objective truths are often elusive. Each person has their own perspective, and recognizing this subjectivity helps us understand that everyone’s experience is valid.
Storytelling: As human beings, we are natural storytellers. We use narratives to organize our experiences, and these stories shape our identity and understanding of the world.
Client Expertise: In Narrative Therapy, the client is viewed as the expert of their own life. Traditional narratives imposed by societal norms or authorities may not resonate with the individual’s true experience.
Blame and Complexity: Problems are rarely the result of a single factor. By acknowledging the complexity of issues, we can avoid futile blame and focus on constructive solutions.
Re-authoring: There are multiple ways to tell a story. By exploring different narratives, we can find more empowering and hopeful interpretations of our experiences.
Techniques in Narrative Therapy
Here are a few techniques that might help you understand (and re-author) your stories:
Naming the Problem: Can you pinpoint your problems, rather than just feel them surrounding you like bad weather? This can create a sense of distance from the issue.
Externalization: Can you create a character that embodies your problem, complete with a name and physical attributes? This externalization could help you see your struggles as separate from your identity.
Unique Outcomes: Can you explore moments in your life story that contradict your dominant narratives? These unique outcomes can serve as a foundation for building a more positive and motivational narrative.
Deconstruction: Can you break down vague and overwhelming problems into smaller, more manageable pieces? This can be a pathway into greater clarity and insight into your experiences.
Mapping Out Problems: Can you visually represent the various effects of a problem? This could allow you to understand why these effects are undesirable based on your values. And connecting with your values can be truly motivating.
