Narrative Therapy - Michael White

Question 1

Theory - What is Social Constructionism? (2)

Answer 1

1. Reality doesn’t exist; mental construct of observer

2. Realities we construct are anchored in language systems & social context

Question 2

What are effects on family therapy? (5)

Answer 2

1. What is being said is important!
2. Elevated meaning is primary importance over behavior
3. Close attention paid to values behind assumptions
4. how EXPERIENCE creates EXPECTATION & how expectation shapes experience through stories
5. Not about truth, but which points are useful? “preferred story” for client

Question 3

Influences (2)

Answer 3

1. Bateson
2. Michel Foucault “Deconstructionist Hero”
   - People who have power, define what is normal.
   - Dominant stories shape within, affects clients lives. Deconstruct story & separate sense of self

Question 4

How Symptoms Develop? (4)

Answer 4

1. Narrow & self-defeating view of self
2. Problem isn’t inherent in client
3. Therapist not interested in cause of problem; but how problem negatively impacts the client’s life (separates client from the problem)
4. Therapist has no constructs for what is normal/abnormal

Question 5

Goals of Therapy (4)

Answer 5

1. Equally defined by client
2. Learning about the stories of human experience
3. Learning to value own personal life experiences, rather than normative stories
4. Externalization process (re-author their lives by telling new stories)

Question 6

Therapy set-up (2)

Answer 6

• Who is seen: Entire family (not always addressed, usually focus on individual)
• Role of therapist: clear agenda, story needs to change; collaborative

Question 7

Therapy Process (5)

Answer 7

1. People do not need or want problems; good intentions
2. People are influenced by discourse (dominant stories, conversations, social experience)
3. People are not their problems; the problem is the problem (Cecchin/Boscolo)
4. People can develop alternative, empowering stories once SEPARATED from their problems; make problem outside of self
5. Problems are PERSONIFIED that feed on polarizations & misunderstandings (externalizes problem & differentiates self from problem)

Question 8

Interventions (1)

Answer 8

1. Ask directive questions
   - deconstruction: who is problem for?
   - opening space: could be positive life?
   - preference: do you prefer this or that?
   - story development
   - meaning: what’s the meaning of story?
   - future ended: who will value new way?