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Both narrative and solution-focused therapy are postmodern language based therapies where the client and therapist work together to collaborate in developing a restructured framework/story for a client's life. In both therapies, the process allows the client to hope for an alternative future, and the therapist holds the viewpoint that each individual possesses the required skills, abilities and tools to solve challenges and make needed changes in their lives (Metcalf, 2018).

If a couple struggling to communicate were to come into counseling, I would love to try the miracle question technique. This intervention would allow each person to to envision positive outcomes and begin to activate a mind-set of problem solving by giving them a mental picture of their goals. This technique would help them to look beyond the communication problem and identify what they want and could possibly have instead if the problem were eliminated. Afterward I would help the couple establish clear and concrete goals by asking questions like "Specifically how will you improve your communication?" and "What will be the first sign that you're moving in the right direction?" Hopefully, after first envisioning what could be with the Miracle Question, setting specific goals to improve communication would be easier to accomplish (Nichols, & Davis, 2017).

Metcalf, L. (2018). Marriage and Family Therapy (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Co. DOI:

10.1891/9780826161253.0016

Nichols, M. P. & Davis, S. D. (2017). Family therapy: Concepts and methods (11th ed.). Pearson 

     Education, Inc. 

Mark Smith

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Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is a therapy based on social constructionist philosophy. The therapy is orientated on the individual's goal during the therapy process but does not change the history of the problem. Conversely, narrative therapy uses the narrative approach where the narratives are used and hold that they primarily shape the client's identity, whether generalities in their cultural or individually specific. 

Both therapies intersect with each other in that regardless of the problem is both personal or family, the accountability for change lies with the family and not the individual because no individual lives in a void. Additionally, both theories view that family is central to all relationships, both professionally and personally. 

The primary differences are that SFT uses solution-focused base therapy along with Erickson's hypnotherapy. In contrast, narrative therapy alters the psychodynamics of Freudian theories to feminist narratives and Marxist critical theories. The narrative gives the client insight into their own protagonist's life to present, while SFT focuses on a preferred future. 

When it comes to helping a husband and wife with communication issues, I will use narrative therapy because it fosters values and respect while staying away from harmful and judgmental communications.

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