What Is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy works on the idea that people create stories about themselves to make some kind of meaning about their lives. These stories are shaped by society, and by what other people tell about them.

Often, the most dominant story in someone’s life causes them emotional suffering. “I am a loser”, “I am a failure”, “I am so ashamed”. These stories can come from anywhere, and people will often look for ways to confirm them in themselves.

Narrative therapy then takes a look at those stories, and seeks to find an alternative and positive one that is also true. In doing so, there will be a revealing of the preferred way that the person would rather be living their life. Once revealed, is can be bolstered and be worked to become the new dominant story.

Often, therapy includes creative methods that go beyond talking therapy to make a person’s preferred story more exciting and manageable.

If you would like to learn a little more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

SOURCE: White, M. (2007). Maps of narrative practice (1st ed). W.W. Norton & Co.