Narrative therapy empowers individuals to reshape their life stories, emphasizing strengths & values to overcome challenges.
By externalizing problems, clients can view their issues separately from their identities, facilitating constructive change.
Techniques like re-authoring & deconstructing narratives help foster resilience & promote wellbeing.
“What is your story?”
This is the big, broad question that narrative therapy can help a person answer.
Narrative therapy harnesses our words and our stories to promote healing.
Grounded in poststructuralism and postmodernism, it acknowledges that meaning is subjective — constructed within the context of the person, their family, and the society they live in, rather than limited to one objective “truth” (Bishop, 2011).
Narrative therapy also grounds itself in social justice, actively confronting societal narratives related to race, gender, and power, making it a powerful tool in advocating for those who suffer the most (Combs & Freedman, 2012).
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our five positive psychology tools for free. These engaging, science-based exercises will help you effectively deal with difficult circumstances and give you the tools to improve the resilience of your clients, students, or employees.
What Is Narrative Therapy? A Definition & Examples
Narrative therapy is a form of therapy that capitalizes on humanity’s storytelling proclivities to uncover opportunities for growth and development, to find meaning, and to understand ourselves better.
Developed in the 1980s by Michael White and David Epston, this form of therapy holds that meaning and truth are constructed by each of us within the context of our lives and that the truth about a problem is subjective (DeKruyf, 2008).
The creators also held that the person is not the problem; rather, the person is experiencing the problem, and that separating a person from their problematic or destructive behavior is a vital part of treatment (White, 2007).
This type of therapy can be particularly effective for trauma, as it encourages clients to use their voice and take agency over their story, which can counteract the victimizing effects of experiencing trauma (Delker et al., 2019).
White and Epston grounded this new therapeutic model in three main ideas.
1. Narrative therapy is respectful
This therapy respects the agency and dignity of every client, treating them as whole individuals who are neither deficient nor defective.
2. Narrative therapy is non-blaming
Narrative therapy separates people from their problems, viewing them as whole and functional individuals who engage in thought patterns or behavior that they would like to change.
3. Narrative therapy views the client as the expert
The narrative therapist and client are considered social equals, but the client is considered the expert.
Only the client knows their life intimately and has the skills and knowledge to change their behavior and address their issues (Morgan, 2000).
What is narrative exposure therapy?
Narrative exposure therapy, a subtype of narrative therapy, is a form of treatment that focuses on safely reorganizing memories of traumatic events in the client’s life through structured sessions with a qualified therapist (Lely et al., 2019).
The therapist and client work together to construct a biography of the client’s life, including the traumatic event(s) they have experienced. The therapist elicits details about the client’s thoughts, feelings, and responses to the trauma but uses grounding techniques to keep them rooted to the present (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Through this technique, clients can process their experiences while building a more holistic and empowering version of their life story, culminating in a personal biography (American Psychological Association, 2017).
What are the goals of narrative therapy?
The client can fully customize the goals of the therapy. The goals are developed in concert with the therapist and client, and a treatment plan is developed with a particular focus on what resolving the problem will look like and how improvement will be acknowledged (Rice, 2015).
However, like other forms of therapy, the goals are generally focused on enhancing wellbeing, removing or altering that which is causing distress, and promoting healing.
When is it used?
It is a flexible therapy suited to clients who want to explore their problems from a new perspective (DeKruyf, 2008). However, given its loose structure, it may be a challenge for people who prefer rigid rules over going with the flow.
Therapeutic storytelling has been found to be helpful in addressing a wide array of challenges, including:
Depression (Shakeri et al., 2020; Vromans & Schweitzer, 2011; Weber et al., 2006)
Anxiety (Shakeri et al., 2020)
Eating disorders (Weber et al., 2006)
People experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (Lely et al., 2019)
Young people on the autism spectrum (Cashin et al., 2013)
It can also be used with children and families. White and Morgan (2006) wrote a book on how to use narrative therapy with children.
If you don’t have time to read the book, watch this five-minute video for a quick overview of narrative family therapy.
Narrative therapy with children - PsychotherapyNet
What Are the Benefits of This Approach?
One of the greatest benefits of narrative therapy is its separation of the person and the problem.
It creates a safe atmosphere in therapy by locating the problem outside of the person and providing support to change the client’s relationship with the problem, rather than pushing the idea that people are themselves “the problem” (Combs & Freedman, 2012).
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How Effective Is Narrative Therapy in Practice?
Therapeutic storytelling has been found to be significant for many clients in promoting healing and relieving distress (Busch, 2007; Etchison & Kleist, 2000).
However, it should be noted that there is limited large-scale research on its outcomes and that much of its evidence base lies in case studies or small explorations of its efficacy (Busch, 2007; Ghavibazou et al., 2022).
9 Commonly Used Narrative Therapy Techniques
Narrative therapy does not have a strict process or procedure for the therapist to follow; in fact, it challenges the idea of a therapist-led process (White & Epston, 1990).
However, there are some techniques rooted in narrative therapy that can be employed with clients. These nine techniques are some of the most common tools used in narrative therapy.
1. Telling one’s story
The narrative therapist’s job is to help clients find their voice and tell their story in their own words. According to the philosophy behind narrative therapy, storytelling is how we make meaning and find purpose in our experience (Standish, 2013).
2. Externalization technique
The externalization technique guides clients to view their problems or behaviors as external, instead of as an unchangeable part of themselves. The idea behind this technique is that it is easier to change a behavior you do than to change a core personality characteristic.
3. Deconstruction
Deconstruction has been described as identifying the “taken-for-granted practices, attitudes, and ideologies” that form the foundation of the story that is causing problems (Heywood et al., 2022, p. 11).
It is particularly useful in identifying and reconsidering constructions embraced by society, like constructions around gender, race, attachment and family relationships, power relations, identity, and more (Heywood et al., 2022).
4. Unique outcomes technique
The unique outcomes technique involves changing one’s own storyline. In narrative therapy, clients aim to construct a storyline for their experiences that offers meaning or gives them a positive and functional identity.
This process can reveal that what seems like a problem or issue from one perspective can be nothing but an unassuming or insignificant detail in another (Bishop, 2011).
5. The tree of life
For this technique, the therapist provides the client with (or asks them to draw) an outline of a tree, complete with roots, a trunk, branches, leaves, fruit, and even bugs. The client writes or draws on the various parts of the tree, corresponding to particular aspects of their life and their story (Ncube, 2006).
Part of the tree of life
Aspect
Roots
Significant figures from the person’s ancestry, origins, and family history
Trunk
Significant events that have shaped the client’s life so far
Branches
Thoughts, ideas, and wishes on how the client would like their life to go
Leaves
Important people or significant relationships in the client’s life
Fruit
Achievements or accomplishments the client is proud of
Bugs
Problems and challenges the client is facing in their life
The client shares their story using this tree, and the therapist asks questions and helps the client identify themes.
This exercise can engage clients in seeing the positive and the optimistic in their life, along with acknowledging the challenges and shaping influences that have molded them into the person they are today.
6. Absent-but-implicit
The concept of the absent-but-implicit comes directly from Michael White’s work and describes the idea that we make meaning of our experiences by comparing and contrasting them against other experiences (Freedman, 2012).
In other words, even though we may not be consciously thinking about how our experiences differ from previous ones or from experiences we’d like to be having instead (the absent), we are still making meaning about our current situation against a backdrop of our past, our values, and our desires (the implicit).
7. Re-membering
Re-membering is focused on shifting how a person sees the people in their life, the “members” of one’s “club of life” that have played a significant role in their story (Russell & Carey, 2002).
To re-member is to think about the level or type of membership that a significant figure has in your life and consider revising the importance or access that this figure will continue to have.
8. Outsider-witness practices
Another powerful technique in narrative therapy is outsider-witness practices, which refer to inviting a third party to witness the therapy session and provide their own reflection on what they’ve witnessed (Carey & Russell, 2003a).
These outsider witnesses can share key insights and highlight important points in the client’s story, and integrating loved ones into the client’s healing can make it more likely for the growth happening within therapy to permeate the rest of their life (Carey & Russell, 2003a).
9. Re-authoring identity
Re-authoring our story, also described as co-constructing preferred narratives, involves the therapist and client working together to identify alternative storylines to the one causing distress.
It is based on the understanding that no single storyline can encapsulate the totality of who we are, and there are other storylines that can help us complete the picture and make it a more positive and optimistic one (Carey & Russell, 2003b).
More Narrative Therapy Interventions & Exercises
While narrative therapy is more of a dialogue between the therapist and client, there are some exercises and activities to supplement the regular therapy sessions. Two of these are described below.
Statement of position map
This simple handout consists of four areas for the client to work through with a therapist:
Characteristics and naming or labeling of the problem
Mapping the effects of the problem throughout each domain of life it touches (home, work, school, relationships, etc.)
Evaluation of the effects of the problem in these domains
Values that come up when thinking about why these effects are undesirable
The therapist can ask questions and probe for deeper inquiry while clients discuss the problem they are having and seek insight in any of the four main areas listed above.
For a more comprehensive look at this exercise, you can read these workshop notes from Michael White on using the statement position maps.
Expressive arts therapy
This is an umbrella term for a range of interventions that can be helpful for all but may be especially useful for children given its focus on uninhibited creativity.
Encourage your clients to explore different methods of telling their story, including:
Meditating
Guided relaxation or individual meditation can be an effective way to explore a problem.
Journaling
Journaling has many potential benefits. Have your clients consider a specific set of questions (e.g., How does the problem affect you? How did the problem take hold in your life?) or simply write a description of themselves or their story from the point of view of the problem.
Drawing
If your clients are more interested in depictions of the problem’s impact on their experience, they can draw, paint, create a cartoon, or map out the effects of the problem.
Moving
Your clients can use the simple medium of expressive movement with mindfulness to create and express their story.
Visualizing
Your clients can use visualization techniques to consider how their life might be in the future — both with this problem continuing and in a timeline where they embrace a new direction (Freedman, 2013).
If you’re interested in learning more about how to put your creativity to work on developing a more positive story, dive a little deeper into expressive arts therapy.
If you’re a therapist who would like to learn about how to embrace narrative therapy in your practice, this workshop outline from the well-known Dulwich Centre has everything you need and more to get started, including background, questions, exercises, handouts, and references.
This slideshow on narrative therapy provides some great information on the philosophy, principles, and theories behind narrative therapy.
Narrative therapy questions
Narrative therapy is a dialogue in which both you and your clients converse to learn about their story. As you may imagine, it requires many questions on the part of the therapist.
The list of questions below is intended to go with the statement of position maps, but these questions can be useful outside of this exercise too (Re-Authoring Teaching, n.d.):
It sounds as though [the problem] is part of your life now.
How long have you been noticing [the problem]?
What effect does [the problem] have on your life?
How does [the problem] impact your energy for daily tasks?
Does [the problem] have an impact on your relationship with other family members?
What effects does [the problem] have on your child’s life?
What do you think about the effects [the problem] is having on your life?
Are you accepting what [the problem] is doing?
Are these effects acceptable to you or not?
Why is this? Why are you taking this position on what [the problem] is doing?
How would you prefer things to be?
If you were to stay connected to what you have just said about what you prefer, what next steps could you take?
Narrative therapy books
These three books offer a solid foundation in the practice of narrative techniques for those who’d like to dive deeper.
1. Maps of Narrative Practice – Michael White
This book describes the five main areas of narrative therapy: re-authoring conversations, re-membering conversations, scaffolding conversations, definitional ceremony, and externalizing conversations.
In addition, it maps out the therapeutic process, complete with implications for treatment and skills training exercises for the reader.
2. What Is Narrative Therapy? An Easy-to-Read Introduction – Alice Morgan
This bestseller provides a simple and easy-to-understand introduction to narrative therapy’s main tenets. It also provides information on externalizing, re-membering, therapeutic letter writing, journaling, and reflecting in the context of narrative therapy.
Morgan’s book is especially useful for therapists and other mental health professionals who wish to add narrative techniques and exercises to their practice.
3. Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities – Gene Combs and Jill Freedman
This book is best saved for those who want to dive headfirst into the philosophical underpinnings of narrative therapy, like interested students, professors, and dedicated practitioners.
It includes example transcripts and descriptions of therapy sessions in which the principles and interventions of narrative therapy are applied.
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To dive deeper into the world of narrative therapy, check out our other helpful resources on the subject, including:
Recognizing Family Narratives This free worksheet can help your clients acknowledge the sometimes-subtle ideas that govern and explain behavior within the family, helping to uncover the hidden narratives that are causing problems or reinforce positive and optimistic ideas about their family.
Uncover Your Purpose
This free worksheet can guide your clients in sense-making and storytelling.
My Depression Story This worksheet can be used with your clients to guide them on a narrative journey through their depression and help them set thoughtful new goals.
What stories do your clients have to tell? What would they like to keep, and what would they like to change about their story?
You can help your clients answer these and other questions in narrative therapy. Use the tools and techniques in this piece to help them re-author their stories, take agency over their lives, and find healing.
Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals separate themselves from their problems by re-authoring their life stories (Carey & Russell, 2003b). It views clients as the experts of their own lives and encourages them to reframe negative or distressing narratives into more empowering ones.
Is narrative therapy good for trauma?
Yes, narrative therapy is effective for trauma as it allows individuals to reframe and gain control over traumatic events, reducing their emotional impact and promoting healing (Delker et al., 2019).
What is the core concept of narrative therapy?
The concept at the heart of narrative therapy is that we use words and stories to construct our reality, and therefore we are able to reconstruct our reality to one that we find more positive and healthy through the same means (DeKruyf, 2008).
What is the difference between narrative therapy and CBT?
In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a therapist leads the client in identifying and changing thought patterns that lead to distress. In narrative therapy, the client is the expert, using narrative building, re-telling, and other narrative techniques to explore alternative stories and foster healing (Morgan, 2000).
Busch, R. (2007). Transforming evidence: A discursive evaluation of narrative therapy case studies. The Australian Journal of Counselling Psychology, 7(2), 8-15.
Carey, M., & Russell, S. (2003a). Outsider-witness practices: Some answers to commonly asked questions. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 1.
Carey, M., & Russell, S. (2003b). Re-authoring: Some answers to commonly asked questions. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 3.
Cashin, A., Browne, G., Bradbury, J., & Mulder, A. (2013). The effectiveness of narrative therapy with young people with autism. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 26(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcap.12020
Combs, G., & Freedman, J. (2012). Narrative, poststructuralism, and social justice: Current practices in narrative therapy. The Counseling Psychologist, 40(7), 1033–1060. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000012460662
Delker, B. C., Salton, R., & McLean, K. C. (2019). Giving voice to silence: Empowerment and disempowerment in the developmental shift from trauma ‘victim’ to ‘survivor-advocate.’ Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21(2), 242–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2019.1678212
Etchison, M., & Kleist, D. M. (2000). Review of narrative therapy: Research and utility. The Family Journal, 8(1), 61–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480700081009
Freedman, J. (2012). Explorations of the absent but implicit. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work, 4, 1–10.
Ghavibazou, E., Hosseinian, S., & Ale Ebrahim, N. (2022). Narrative therapy, applications, and outcomes: A systematic review. Preventive Counseling, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4119920
Heywood, L., Conti, J., & Hay, P. (2022). Paper 1: A systematic synthesis of narrative therapy treatment components for the treatment of eating disorders. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1), Article 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00635-5
Lely, J. C. G., Smid, G. E., Jongedijk, R. A. W., Knipscheer, J., & Kleber, R. J. (2019). The effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy: A review, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1), Article 1550344. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1550344
Morgan, A. (2000). What is narrative therapy? An easy-to-read introduction. Dulwich Centre Publications.
Ncube, N. (2006). The tree of life project. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 1, 3–16.
Russell, S., & Carey, M. (2002). Re-membering: Responding to commonly asked questions. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 3, 23–31.
Shakeri, J., Ahmadi, S. M., Maleki, F., Hesami, M. R., Parsa Moghadam, A., Ahmadzade, A., Shirzadi, M., & Elahi, A. (2020). Effectiveness of group narrative therapy on depression, quality of life, and anxiety in people with amphetamine addiction: A randomized clinical trial. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 45(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijms.2019.45829
Vromans, L. P., & Schweitzer, R. D. (2011). Narrative therapy for adults with major depressive disorder: Improved symptom and interpersonal outcomes. Psychotherapy Research, 21(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503301003591792
Weber, M., Davis, K., & McPhie, L. (2006). Narrative therapy, eating disorders and groups: Enhancing outcomes in rural NSW. Australian Social Work, 59(4), 391–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/03124070600985970
White, M. (2007). Maps of narrative practice. WW Norton.
White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. W. W. Norton.
White, M., & Morgan, A. (2006). Narrative therapy with children and their families. Dulwich Centre Publications.
About the author
Courtney E. Ackerman, works as a mental health policy researcher for the state of California, focusing on population mental health and wellbeing, peer support, and violence prevention. She is passionate about fostering transformational change in California's mental health system. She also works as a research consultant with individuals and organizations on a freelance basis, generating insights and identifying actionable solutions. Courtney is guided by her curiosity and a commitment to authentic connections.
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What our readers think
JKL
on February 23, 2024 at 00:56
Wow, this is really invalidating. It’s always so telling when mental health providers focus on “behavior change” when sometimes behaviors aren’t the issue. It’s also telling that the author assumes that mentioning children and family is not triggering to clients. What if the issue is that there is not a possibility of children or family?
Why is the assumption that telling one’s story is the issue? For many of us, we are aware of and can express our stories; that’s not the issue.
Yikes for those of us who have already had terrible and invalidating experiences with therapy.
I’m genuinely sorry to hear that the content has resonated with you this way. It’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone’s experience with mental health is unique, and what works for one person might not be suitable for another. The intention is never to invalidate anyone’s feelings or experiences. Instead, the aim is to provide diverse tools and perspectives that might be helpful to some.
Your point about the assumptions regarding family and storytelling is well-taken, and it highlights the importance of a more inclusive and sensitive approach that considers the varied backgrounds and experiences of all individuals.
If there are specific topics or resources you feel would be more beneficial or sensitive to your experiences, we’re open to suggestions.
Not every therapy is for every client. Nor can all issues be resolved with just one therapy.
Based on your commentary it would seem that narrative therapy is not the answer, but that doesn’t diminish the good work here or the value of narrative therapy. It is only invalidating if you let it be, and as I’ve stated, this is likely not the appropriate therapy for you with whatever is hurting. The article itself is not invalidating.
As a mental health therapist I understand exactly what you are saying. Narrative Therapy may never be a good therapy for you and many others. It seems to me that it can be effective after the patient feels securely validated, assigns appropriate responsibility to the source of their pain, establishes safety, regains their ability to exercise choices and options, and feels a sense of value and worth. Then the patient may choose to pursue Narrative Therapy as a way to further recover from what happened to them by becoming the main character in their own life. This can be an empowering experience that allows them to validate themselves, secure their identity, strengthen their self-esteem and regard their past, present and future based on their own terms. For example, a Chapter 1 title something like: “JKL is born for themselves, not to please their parents.” A clinician needs to use sound clinical judgment about the readiness for this therapy, as is true for other therapies. Treating trauma and deep wounds is a sensitive process and takes wisdom along with skill.
Existentialism has little to do with White and Epston’s developments — please be more cautious about representing Narrative Practice. There are some more subtle inaccuracies here as well (deconstruction isn’t well represented, re-authoring and re-membering are hardly mentioned, not to mention outsider witness conversations and the abscent but implicit, to name several, but not all), but the problem I’m citing really needs to be addressed.
I always enjoy relearning the techniques of Narrative Therapy but could use a guideline that focuses on Addiction. I am a co-occurring therapist that works with Addiction and Mental Health and use externalization a lot. It would be great if you had a specific worksheet/questionnaire that addresses addiction specifically.
Thank you for reaching out and expressing your interest in resources specifically designed for the context of addiction. It’s wonderful to hear you’re applying Narrative Therapy techniques in your work!
Although we presently lack resources specifically tailored to your case, we recommend adapting the principles of Narrative Therapy to suit the unique needs of your clients battling addiction:
– Externalizing the Problem: As you’re already doing, this can be particularly beneficial in addiction therapy. It helps the client see their addiction as a separate entity rather than an inherent part of themselves. They can then examine how ‘the addiction’ influences their life and choices.
– Deconstructing Dominant Narratives: Encourage clients to explore societal and personal beliefs about addiction. Challenge these narratives and help clients construct their own, empowering narratives.
– Highlighting Unique Outcomes: Help your clients identify times when they successfully resisted the ‘pull’ of addiction. These ‘unique outcomes’ can help them see their own strength and capacity for change.
– Letter Writing: This can be a powerful tool for clients to communicate with their ‘addiction,’ express their feelings, or articulate their hopes for the future.
– Mapping the Influence: Create a visual map of how addiction influences different areas of their life. This can be a powerful tool for externalization and for identifying areas to work on.
We hope to have more specialized resources available soon. Until then, we believe the techniques mentioned above, when applied with sensitivity and creativity, can be highly effective in a narrative approach to addiction therapy.
“What is your story?”
Narrative therapy does not have a strict process or procedure for the therapist to follow; in fact, it challenges the idea of a therapist-led process (White & Epston, 1990).
What our readers think
Wow, this is really invalidating. It’s always so telling when mental health providers focus on “behavior change” when sometimes behaviors aren’t the issue. It’s also telling that the author assumes that mentioning children and family is not triggering to clients. What if the issue is that there is not a possibility of children or family?
Why is the assumption that telling one’s story is the issue? For many of us, we are aware of and can express our stories; that’s not the issue.
Yikes for those of us who have already had terrible and invalidating experiences with therapy.
Hi JKL,
I’m genuinely sorry to hear that the content has resonated with you this way. It’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone’s experience with mental health is unique, and what works for one person might not be suitable for another. The intention is never to invalidate anyone’s feelings or experiences. Instead, the aim is to provide diverse tools and perspectives that might be helpful to some.
Your point about the assumptions regarding family and storytelling is well-taken, and it highlights the importance of a more inclusive and sensitive approach that considers the varied backgrounds and experiences of all individuals.
If there are specific topics or resources you feel would be more beneficial or sensitive to your experiences, we’re open to suggestions.
Warm regards,
Julia | Community Manager
Not every therapy is for every client. Nor can all issues be resolved with just one therapy.
Based on your commentary it would seem that narrative therapy is not the answer, but that doesn’t diminish the good work here or the value of narrative therapy. It is only invalidating if you let it be, and as I’ve stated, this is likely not the appropriate therapy for you with whatever is hurting. The article itself is not invalidating.
As a mental health therapist I understand exactly what you are saying. Narrative Therapy may never be a good therapy for you and many others. It seems to me that it can be effective after the patient feels securely validated, assigns appropriate responsibility to the source of their pain, establishes safety, regains their ability to exercise choices and options, and feels a sense of value and worth. Then the patient may choose to pursue Narrative Therapy as a way to further recover from what happened to them by becoming the main character in their own life. This can be an empowering experience that allows them to validate themselves, secure their identity, strengthen their self-esteem and regard their past, present and future based on their own terms. For example, a Chapter 1 title something like: “JKL is born for themselves, not to please their parents.” A clinician needs to use sound clinical judgment about the readiness for this therapy, as is true for other therapies. Treating trauma and deep wounds is a sensitive process and takes wisdom along with skill.
Existentialism has little to do with White and Epston’s developments — please be more cautious about representing Narrative Practice. There are some more subtle inaccuracies here as well (deconstruction isn’t well represented, re-authoring and re-membering are hardly mentioned, not to mention outsider witness conversations and the abscent but implicit, to name several, but not all), but the problem I’m citing really needs to be addressed.
I always enjoy relearning the techniques of Narrative Therapy but could use a guideline that focuses on Addiction. I am a co-occurring therapist that works with Addiction and Mental Health and use externalization a lot. It would be great if you had a specific worksheet/questionnaire that addresses addiction specifically.
Thanks so much for your insight!
Kind Regards,
Diane Music
Dear Diane,
Thank you for reaching out and expressing your interest in resources specifically designed for the context of addiction. It’s wonderful to hear you’re applying Narrative Therapy techniques in your work!
Although we presently lack resources specifically tailored to your case, we recommend adapting the principles of Narrative Therapy to suit the unique needs of your clients battling addiction:
– Externalizing the Problem: As you’re already doing, this can be particularly beneficial in addiction therapy. It helps the client see their addiction as a separate entity rather than an inherent part of themselves. They can then examine how ‘the addiction’ influences their life and choices.
– Deconstructing Dominant Narratives: Encourage clients to explore societal and personal beliefs about addiction. Challenge these narratives and help clients construct their own, empowering narratives.
– Highlighting Unique Outcomes: Help your clients identify times when they successfully resisted the ‘pull’ of addiction. These ‘unique outcomes’ can help them see their own strength and capacity for change.
– Letter Writing: This can be a powerful tool for clients to communicate with their ‘addiction,’ express their feelings, or articulate their hopes for the future.
– Mapping the Influence: Create a visual map of how addiction influences different areas of their life. This can be a powerful tool for externalization and for identifying areas to work on.
We hope to have more specialized resources available soon. Until then, we believe the techniques mentioned above, when applied with sensitivity and creativity, can be highly effective in a narrative approach to addiction therapy.
Thank you for the impactful work you’re doing!
Best Regards,
Julia | Community Manager