Narrative Therapy
Critical Principles of Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on stories and the role they play in our lives. The therapist works with the client to identify the parts of their story that are causing problems and then helps them to rewrite those parts in a more positive light.
Several critical principles underlie narrative therapy:
1. The stories we tell about ourselves shape our lives.
2. We all can change the stories we tell about ourselves.
3. Narrative therapy is collaborative, meaning the therapist and client work together to create a new story.
4. Narrative therapy respects the client’s expertise about their own life.
5. The therapist’s role is to facilitate change, not to impose it.
If you are considering narrative therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is trained in this approach and who you feel comfortable working with.
Techniques that are commonly used in narrative therapy
1. Externalization: This is a process of discussing the problem as if it were an entity outside of yourself. This can help take power away from the situation and make it less daunting.
2. Re-authoring: This involves helping the client to write a new story about themselves, one that is more positive and empowering.
3. Scaling: This is a way of measuring change by looking at how the problem affects different areas of your life on a scale from 0-10. This can help to chart progress over time.
4. Letter writing: This involves writing a letter to the problem, expressing all the anger and resentment that has been building up. This can be a cathartic experience and help to release some of the emotional intensity around the situation.
5. Externalized conversations: The therapist and client role-play a conversation between the problem and the client. This can help to clarify thoughts and feelings and to find new perspectives.
What Can Narrative Therapy Help With
Narrative therapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Eating disorders
-Grief and loss
-Infidelity
-Life transitions
-Parenting issues
-Relationship problems
-Self-esteem issues
-Trauma and abuse
Benefits of Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy has several potential benefits, including:
-Empowering clients to make positive changes in their lives
-Encouraging clients to express themselves creatively
-Fostering hope and meaning in clients’ lives
-Helping clients to develop a more positive outlook on life
-Increasing insight and self-awareness
-Providing a non-judgmental space for clients to share their stories
