theory: narrative and solution-focused therapy Flashcards
Two Postmodern Theories:
narrative and solution-focused
social constructionism
A theory that refers to an individual making meaning of knowledge within a social context
strengths-based perspective
A multicultural counseling approach that focuses on honing in and building on client strengths and successes to initiate change
Narrative Therapy
A postmodern and social constructionist approach developed by Michael White and David Epston; concerned with how individuals author their lives, proposing that people construct stories about themselves and their lives. Encourage people to reauthor their problem-saturated stories in order to promote greater wellness.
Michael White
With David Epston, developed narrative therapy, a postmodern and social constructionist approach
David Epston
With Michael White, developed narrative therapy, a postmodern and social constructionist approach.
self-narratives
In narrative therapy, the stories clients construct about themselves and their lives. Self-narratives assist clients in developing a consistent identity. Thin descriptions refer to internalized self-narratives that are imposed on a person by others (e.g., society). Thick descriptions refer to more complex self-narratives that involve both the client’s interpretations of themselves and the labels that are put on them by others
problem-saturated stories
A term used in narrative counseling to refer to self-narratives that are harmful and detrimental to client well-being.
dominant narratives
Narratives involving cultural customs that affect a client’s life and worldview.
thin description
A self-narrative that is imposed on a person by others (e.g., society) that the individual then internalizes.
thick description
A self-narrative that involves clients’ interpretations of themselves and the labels that are put on them by others
problem externalization
A technique used in narrative therapy in which the counselor seeks to help clients distance themselves from their problems. Problems, in relation to clients, are seen as a separate, outside entity. Counselors use externalizing questions (e.g., “How has depression been holding you back these past few months?”) to separate the problem from the client.
seek unique outcomes
A technique used in solution-focused brief therapy that asks clients to identify times when their problems were not present or were less pronounced
outside witness
A technique used in solution-focused therapy that involves bringing in family members, friends, or even previous clients to help current clients gain outside perspectives on themselves.
definitional ceremony
A technique used in narrative therapy, in which clients tell their new stories to an audience of outside witnesses
therapeutic letters
A technique used in narrative therapy in which the counselor writes letters to the client following counseling sessions. These letters review what was discussed in the session and highlight important moments The ultimate goal of these letters is to keep the work that occurred during the session going long after the session has ended
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
A counseling theory developed by Steve de Shazer that is based on the assumption that all individuals possess the ability and resources to solve their problems. SFBT maintains that people become immobilized by unsuccessful attempts to solve problems and that they need only find new solutions to achieve change and progress. Therefore, this theory is not concerned about the history of a problem or seeking insight into why a problem has arisen; the primary goal is client change and instilling hope in clients that change will happen. SFBT, as its name suggests, is short-term, usually lasting no more than 10 sessions.
steve de shazer
Developed solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT).
3 core beliefs of SFBT:
1: continue doing what works
2: stop doing what doesn’t work
3: do more of what works
visitors
A term used in SFBT to characterize clients who do not recognize that a problem exists and are not ready or willing to change.
complainants
A term used in SFBT to characterize clients who recognize the existence of a problem and can define it but have yet to commit to solving it
customers
A term used in SFBT to characterize the most ideal clients; such clients recognize a problem that needs to be fixed and are committed to finding a solution. Until clients become customers, it is difficult to help them effectively improve their lives.
five SFBT techniques:
- exception questions,
- miracle question,
- scaling questions,
- positive blame,
- skeleton keys
