Narrative Therapy Flashcards
When was Narrative Therapy developed, and by whom?
Michael White and David Epston, 1992
What worldview/perspective does Narrative Therapy most align with?
Constructivist/post-modern
What is the underlying belief of Narrative Therapy?
People’s identities are defined and constructed through their stories; reframing and externalising of problems can produce alternative understandings and new ways of being which relieve suffering
What role does the therapist play in narrative therapy?
The therapist is the guide who helps the client understand their experiences as narratives and elicits alternatives
What are the 4 stages/tasks of Narrative Therapy?
- Putting together the narrative (client expresses and explores thoughts, events, and their meanings)
- Externalising the problem (reframing issues in a way that the client recognises they are not the problem)
- Deconstruction (breaking down stories into smaller parts to more easily clarify the problem)
- Unique outcomes (finding exceptions to the dominant story in order to re-author a whole new one)
What are some disadvantages of Narrative Therapy?
-Lack of empirical evidence
-Great opportunity for therapist bias
-Time intensive
-Possible to oversimplify complex problems
-Not recommended for people with language, communication, intellectual, or developmental barriers
What characteristics align Narrative Therapy with social work?
-Nonjudgement
-Client as the expert in their own life
-Self determination and structural thinking
-Can be used with other modalities as appropriate; responsive to unique client needs
What tool is most often used in Narrative Therapy, and what are its components? (7)
The Tree of Life:
-Storms (challenges, stressors)
-Roots (family and personal background)
-Ground (present life and day to day activities)
-Trunk (core beliefs and values)
-Fruits (skills and abilities)
-Leaves (hopes, goals, and desired behavioural changes)
-Branches (important people in support system)
