Developed by two social workers, Michael White (Australia) and David Epston (New Zealand), narrative therapy is a systemic approach to counselling that emphasizes historical influences, and experiences with culture and family as they impact life experiences and problems. It is an approach that shifts the focus from how people have problems to how problems come to dominate people’s sense of who they are(1). This approach also recognizes that problems can become saturated and entrenched in our daily lives (1). In light of this, narrative work often begins with externalizing conversations with efforts to re-conceptualize the problem as separate from the person (1).
The central goal of narrative therapy is to reduce stress levels, which is known as “the burden”. The outcome, or where the client wishes “to go” to function more happily or effectively is often a place where they have a manageable workload, resolution or comfort levels with work tensions, as well as more joy, connection, and satisfaction with relationships, and so on. Counselling objectives, then, generally involve externalizing the problem by examining the narratives within it to map and re-story a more desirable future (1).
How it Works
Recognizing the power of words, alternative stories are constructed to re-shape client narratives from victim to survivor(1). For example, one approach to externalizing the conversation uses recordings that are translated into scripts and then mapped onto paper to help reconstruct new narratives. Paper, pens, paint, photo-voice and other creative arts tools are used in this process. The client is highly engaged in this interactive process!
The narrative therapist approaches the counselling process by co-constructing with the client this new third space or third agency, which is a dynamic and living linguistic space where new insights are performed and enacted (2). This is also where words and body language exist in webs of meaning, and therapeutic understanding involves empathy and reflecting back (2). In this space, the counsellor also analyzes power relations, continuously checks for assumptions, and is aware of client agency (e.g., capacity for action) (2).
The use of metaphor to externalize or name the problem is also often used in narrative therapy (1). For example, the client names the problem (e.g., as mentioned above, the burden) and, with the counsellor, maps the influence of the problem (e.g., noticing when the problem visits, what its presence feels like, what the problem wants and is saying). As well, it may be helpful to consider when the problem first occurred, when it is most difficult to handle, and its movement or connections to other areas, such as work or relationships.
Each of these techniques can help the client map out the sources of the problem, as they commonly stem from multiple sources. In this way, with a holistic and visual representation of the problem, links between the problem sources can be explored. Empowered by this awareness, new insights begin to emerge. Ultimately, the client will determine if this approach successfully helps to alleviate the burden and create movement toward their desired end goals.

References
1. White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
2. Arvay, M. (2002). Talk as action: A narrative approach to action theory. Canadian Journal of Counselling, 36(2). 113-120.
Other Resources
Dulwich Centre, Australia. (2018). What is narrative therapy? Retrieved from https://dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy/
Ostrander, C. (2017). The chasing of tales: Poetic licence with the written word in narrative practice. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 2, 55-62.
Positive Psychology Program. (2018). Narrative therapy. Retrieved from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/narrative-therapy/#what-narrative-therapy
Image: Dreamcatcher notebook, available at zazzle.ca
Komentar