What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy focuses on helping individuals view their problems and experiences within the context of the narratives or stories that they construct. Narrative Therapy was co-developed by Michael White and David Epston.
How does IH Psychotherapy utilize Narrative Therapy?
At our practice, therapists use techniques of Narrative Therapy to help clients identify and explore the dominant narratives or stories that they have constructed around their problems. Together we examine how these narratives may have been influencing clients’ perceptions and actions. We then collaborate with our clients to identify and amplify preferred narratives that promote the client’s strengths, values, and goals.
What are the tenets of Narrative Therapy?
1. Narrative Construction: It acknowledges that individuals construct their realities and experiences through language and storytelling, rather than having an objective reality imposed upon them.
2. Externalization: It encourages individuals to separate themselves from their problems by externalizing them. This allows individuals to view the problem as something they have, rather than something they are, empowering them to address it from a different perspective.
3. Collaborative Approach: Narrative therapy is a collaborative approach between therapist and client. The therapist serves as a co-author of the client’s story and helps them explore new possibilities and alternative narratives.
4. Multiple Narratives: It recognizes that there are multiple narratives or stories within an individual’s life. It highlights the importance of exploring the preferred narratives and enriching them to create a more empowering and fulfilling life.
5. Cultural and Social Context: Narrative therapy emphasizes the influence of culture, society, and external influences on an individual’s construction of meaning and their experience of problems.
What issues does Narrative Therapy address?
Narrative therapy can address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, identity issues, family conflicts, grief and loss.
What does research show about the effectiveness of Narrative Therapy?
Research on the effectiveness of Narrative Therapy has shown promising results. Some studies have found that Narrative Therapy can lead to improvements in problem-solving skills, self-esteem, and overall psychological well-being (Beaudoin et al., 2016). However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness compared to other forms of therapy and its long-term benefits. Additionally, since narrative therapy is highly individualized, its effectiveness may vary depending on the client and therapist’s compatibility and the specific issue being addressed.
References
Beaudoin, M-N., Moersch, M., & Evare, B. S. (2016). The effectiveness of narrative therapy with children’s social and emotional skill development: An empirical study of 813 problems-solving stories. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 35(3), 42-59.