Narrative Therapy Theory Flashcards
Narrative Therapy
Theory of Change
Changeoccurs by separating patient from problem and creating a new narrative or story, which emphasizes the client’s competencies and strengths.
Narrative Therapy
Therapist’s Role
- Collaborator
- Investigator
- Co-author
- Views individuals as the experts on their own lives
Narrative Therapy
Treatment Goals
- Deconstruct problem-saturated stories in order to create more helpful stories.
- Re-authoring the story—having a new story emerge.
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Externalizing the Problem
Separating the person from the problem story;
Example: “What is anxiety trying to tell you to do?”).
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Social Constructivism
Where the messages are coming from; focus is on the present and past—the current problem and the history of the problem. Special attention is given to social issues, such as culture, gender, race, disability, social class
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Deconstructive Questions
Questions that clarify meaning and help people unpack
their stories. They encourage clients to situate their narratives in broader contexts.
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Mapping the Influence
Process of eliciting from the client a detailed description of the problem’s effect and influence on client’s life and relationships.
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Identifying Unique Outcomes
Times in the client’s life during which the client was
able to resist the effects of the problem.
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Enlisting a Witness
Inviting someone who has a sense of who the client is to support & witness the re-authoring process
Narrative Therapy - Interventions
Writing a Letter
client writing a letter to self and others to reinforce a new story
Narrative Therapy - Phase of Treatment
Beginning
Client is invited to tell their Problem-Saturated Stories –the reason client is seeking therapy
Narrative Therapy - Phase of Treatment
Early/Middle
The problem is externalized; Mapping the influence/effects of the problem; Identify/explore unique outcomes; Re-author story; Enlist a witness
Narrative Therapy - Phase of Treatment
End
Document and support new story; Write letter to self and others
