Module 6
Narrative Therapy
a. Poststructuralism and Deconstruction
Narrative therapy emerged from poststructuralism and deconstruction
(Dickerson, 2014). Poststructural thought rejects the structuralist notion that there is a
deep structure to all phenomena and that its complexity can be broken down to its
elements. To structuralists, behavior is the surface manifestation of deeper elements
buried within the individual; these elements can be classified and retrieved so an
objective outside expert can interpret those deeper layers to reveal the “truths” about
the meanings of the behavior. This type of therapy looks for underlying (deep) causes,
proceeds by repairing the flaw, and is not satisfied with simply reducing or
eliminating symptoms. Structural ideas (from Freud’s intrapsychic structures to family
therapy’s traditional focus on family structures) characterize much of 20th-century
thought in the social sciences.
Drawing upon the poststructural ideas of cognitive psychologist Jerome
Bruner (1986), anthropologist Barbara Meyerhoff (1986), and French political and
social philosopher Michel Foucault (1980), narrative therapists such as Michael White
(1995) question the static surface/ depth dichotomy. They argue that searching for
underlying traits or needs or personality attributes relies on artificially imposed “thin”
descriptions (e.g., superficial, insubstantial descriptors of internal states such as
normal/abnormal or functional/dysfunctional) when we should be looking for “thick”
(enriched, intentioned, multistoried) descriptions, shaped in part by personal,
historical, political, and cultural forces. Beyond helping clients reauthor alternative
stories, narrative therapists thus look to enhance or make more complex the client’s
descriptions of his or her life and relationships.
Early in therapy, narrative therapists often hear stories clients tell about
themselves that are problem filled and based on thin descriptions—an anthropological
concept (Geertz, 1973)—often imposed on them by others with definitional power
(teachers, doctors, parents, clergy) and incorporated in their self-definitions as
established, if oppressive, “truths.” Thin descriptions typically are made by politically
powerful or influential outside observers studying the lives of other people and are
rarely informed by interpretations of those engaged in the actions being studied
(White, 1997). Consequently, the observers may not deal with the complexities of life
and the personal meaning given those actions by the protagonist. The resulting thin
descriptions are likely to lead to thin conclusions (labeling a person as bad, greedy,
selfish, lazy) that are superficial and disempowering to the person being observed. To
make matters worse, people who are labeled often begin to adopt these outside
designations (“Yes, I am a selfish person”) as true and real, accepting them as
unchangeable, problem-saturated stories about themselves, without examining how
they themselves attribute meaning to their own behavior (e.g., a frightened or insecure
person who doesn’t know how to help). Thin conclusions (“There I go putting myself
first again; I’m really a bad person”) often lead to failing to remember times when one
was generous and helpful to others. Positive characteristics are obscured or hidden by
the thin description–inspired story.
Thick descriptions, on the other hand, are elaborately presented and
multistoried, not simply labeled by others. They involve the views of the person or
people whose lives are being discussed and are usually interwoven with the lives of
others. Comprehensive understanding of a person requires a rich, thick description
that comes about through the telling and retelling of the preferred stories about one’s
history and identity. The exploration of subjective experiences—hopes, desires,
passions, purposes, fantasies, aspirations, commitments—contributes to thick
descriptions of why people behave as they do. White listened for underlying values
and commitments that contribute to meaning making, hidden beneath the story,
calling them the absent but implicit, allowing more stories with multiple possibilities;
this process doesn’t remove the problematic stories, but it shifts their meaning when
viewed in light of other stories and often makes them feel less significant, since they
are “only one strand” of the story.
In addition to helping clients develop alternate stories and free themselves of
problematic stories, narrative therapists facilitate reauthoring conversations to thicken
or enrich the description of their lives and relationships. It is important to note that
narrative therapists do not help clients replace one story with another, but rather help
them view life as multistoried, with numerous options available. In place of the one-
dimensional view of their lives that a troubled family presents—problem saturated
and deficit centered, frozen in time and without a sense of the future—narrative
therapists help family members expand their lives by changing their limiting and
unsatisfying stories about themselves, each other, and the world. Narrative therapists
reject the expert role, that of believing they understand clients better than clients do
themselves. They collaborate with clients, honoring the stories and cultural
background each client brings to the therapy.
Deconstruction is a term introduced by French theorist Jacques Derrida (1978)
in examining texts to indicate they have no single meaning. Many people believe that
the term means the disassembling of assumptions that are taken for granted, and to a
degree this is true. The term signifies, however, a great deal more. Derrida (1978,
1998) insisted that deconstruction is not a methodology per se and cannot be
transformed into one. Instead, deconstruction “takes place.” It does not await the
deliberation, or conscious intention, of a subject (i.e., an individual person).
Deconstruction is not something one does, but it is a quality of language itself that one
discovers through the examination of its metaphoric or rhetorical nature. This
condition of textuality is not limited to written or spoken language but to the
discursive structuring of experience, institutions, reality, and subjectivity. This
suggests that nothing outside textuality, or language, can ground meaning absolutely.
Narrative therapists use the concept of deconstruction when they remind
clients that the dominance of one meaning or one set of assumptions is an illusion and
that it is possible to apply a multitude of meanings or assumptions in understanding
the same event or experience. Thus narrative therapists help clients reexamine so-
called truths about themselves—imposed by others or by the culture and internalized
as given and unchangeable—and construct new narratives. Deconstructing the power
of a dominating, problem-saturated narrative can empower clients to deal more
competently with new views of reality and lead more satisfying lives. Narrative
therapists have to be very sensitive in working with people who might find the
absence of grounding reality or authorizing texts a significant cause of anxiety. Think
of the person who seems to be seeking above all else someone to tell them how to live
their lives! Or think of the feminist client who says she needs feminist discourse as a
ground for her own identity experience (indeed, some feminist theorists quarrel with
deconstruction over this very point). The deconstructionist would appreciate the
nonabsolute nature of this discourse as he or she would any other (including
Derridean deconstruction!). As a narrative therapist, one would have to be highly
respectful of this client’s emotional and intellectual relationship with text (feminism)
and identity even as they co-construct alternative narratives.
Deconstruction is a powerful concept in narrative therapy (or other therapeutic
models that appreciate the liberating possibilities it suggests) because clients often
confuse the language they use about themselves with something they consider to be
real and unalterable about themselves. Deconstruction points out that one’s reality and
the language one uses in engaging with that reality (the reality of one’s self ) are not
mutually authorizing. There is always more to “be” and “say.”
Michael White at the Dulwich Centre in Adelaide, Australia, was the leading
in narrative therapy until his unfortunate premature death in 2008, having described in
great detail a philosophy and set of techniques consistent with helping clients reauthor
their lives. A prolific writer, White, trained as a social worker, offered workshops
throughout the world. Originally drawn to the work of Gregory Bateson—especially
Bateson’s observations on how people construe and give meaning to the world about
them—White later rejected Bateson’s cybernetic thinking in favor of a narrative
metaphor.
He was influenced by the feminist thinking of Cheryl White, his wife, and
some ideas from anthropology offered by colleague David Epston at the Family
Therapy Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. White was a caring, dedicated, persistent
clinician with a social and political agenda: liberating people from oppressive
culturally dominated, problem-saturated stories and empowering them to reauthor
their lives to develop more rewarding dominant stories and lead more fulfilling lives.
David Epston, a social worker/family therapist interested in anthropology and
storytelling, introduced narrative metaphor thinking to White. Epston is particularly
known for his innovative therapeutic letters to families, which are extensions of
conversation aimed at reauthoring lives. He and two colleagues provided a useful set
of narrative techniques for working with children and their families.
Cheryl White is a social activist, founder of Dulwich Centre Publications in
Adelaide. She edits the International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community
Work, a journal devoted to interviews, cases, and recent contributions to narrative
theory and practice. David Denborough joins her there. In the United States, Jill
Freedman (2014) and Gene Combs (2009) in Illinois; Jeffrey Zimmerman with
Victoria Dickerson (1996) and Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin (2011) in the San Francisco
Bay area; Kathy Weingarten (1998) in Boston; and Jennifer Andrews and David Clark
in Los Angeles are advocates of the narrative viewpoint.
In Canada, Stephen Madigan (2011) holds a prominent position as the director
of the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy. His work in the field of narrative
therapy has significantly influenced therapeutic practices both within Canada and
internationally. The Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy, under Madigan's
leadership, has become a renowned institution for training and developing narrative
therapists. This school emphasizes the importance of understanding and reshaping the
stories that individuals and families tell about their lives, which can profoundly
impact their experiences and interactions.
Madigan's contributions to narrative therapy extend far beyond his directorial
role. He is a prolific author and researcher, whose work has helped to expand and
refine narrative therapeutic practices. His writings and publications provide valuable
insights into the application of narrative therapy across various contexts, including
individual therapy, family therapy, and community work. Madigan's research often
explores the intersections of narrative therapy with issues such as identity, power, and
social justice, highlighting how therapeutic practices can be used to empower
individuals and address broader societal issues.
In addition to his work in Canada, Stephen Madigan is known for presenting
workshops and training sessions around the world. His international workshops attract
therapists from diverse backgrounds who seek to learn from his expertise and
incorporate narrative practices into their own therapeutic work. These workshops are
characterized by their interactive and experiential nature, allowing participants to
engage deeply with the principles of narrative therapy and apply them in practical,
real-world scenarios.
Madigan's international presence has helped to disseminate narrative therapy
principles globally, fostering a community of practitioners who are committed to
collaborative and respectful therapeutic relationships. His teachings emphasize the
importance of viewing clients as the experts of their own lives and stories, and he
encourages therapists to adopt a stance of curiosity and collaboration. This approach
helps clients to re-author their stories in ways that align with their values, hopes, and
preferred identities.
Moreover, Stephen Madigan’s work is distinguished by his commitment to
social justice and advocacy within therapy. He challenges therapists to consider the
broader social, cultural, and political contexts that shape clients’ lives and to address
issues of power and privilege within the therapeutic relationship. By doing so,
Madigan promotes a form of therapy that is not only about individual change but also
about contributing to social transformation.
Madigan’s influence is also evident in the numerous accolades and
recognitions he has received for his work. He is frequently invited to speak at
conferences and symposiums, where he shares his insights on narrative therapy and its
applications. His contributions to the field are highly respected, and his teachings
continue to inspire new generations of therapists who are dedicated to making a
meaningful difference in their clients’ lives.
In summary, Stephen Madigan (2011) is a key in the field of narrative therapy
in Canada and beyond. As the director of the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy,
he has played a crucial role in advancing the practice and training of narrative therapy.
His extensive work, including international workshops, research, and publications,
has significantly influenced the field, promoting a therapeutic approach that values
clients' stories, fosters empowerment, and addresses broader social issues. Madigan's
commitment to narrative therapy and social justice continues to inspire and shape the
practices of therapists around the world.
b. Self-Narratives and Cultural Narratives
Advocates of narrative therapy propose that people, in attempting to make
sense of their lives, arrange their experiences of events over time to arrive at a
coherent account of themselves and their surroundings. Such self-narratives give each
person a sense of continuity and meaning and become the basis for interpreting
subsequent experiences. Each person’s own story or self-narrative (how my parents’
divorce turned me against marriage; how my mother’s alcoholism frightened me
about drinking; how my grandmother inspired me by coming to this country penniless
and succeeding in business; how my illness as a child made me feel inferior to others)
provides the principal framework for structuring those experiences. Put succinctly, the
stories we develop about our lives shape or constitute our lives.
Helping clients become aware of those previously unrecognized but powerful
internalized narratives that limit their lives is a cornerstone of narrative therapy. These
narratives, often deeply ingrained and subtly influential, can significantly shape a
person's perception of themselves and their capabilities. By bringing these
internalized stories to light, therapists enable clients to see how these narratives have
been influencing their decisions, behaviors, and overall outlook on life. This process
of recognition is not just about identifying these stories, but also about understanding
their origins, the context in which they were formed, and the ways in which they have
been sustained over time.
Once clients become aware of these limiting narratives, they are positioned to
engage in reauthoring therapeutic conversations. These conversations are
collaborative dialogues between the therapist and the client, where the therapist takes
on a facilitative role rather than a directive one. The aim of these conversations is to
explore and develop alternative life stories that are more aligned with the client’s
values, aspirations, and preferred ways of being. The reauthoring process involves
critically examining the dominant narratives and deconstructing them to uncover
gaps, contradictions, and alternative possibilities that may have been overlooked or
suppressed.
It is crucial to understand that in narrative therapy, clients reauthor their own
lives, with the therapist acting as a guide and supporter. The therapist does not impose
new narratives or rewrite the client's story for them. Instead, the therapist creates a
space where clients feel safe and empowered to reconstruct their life stories in ways
that are meaningful and liberating to them. This collaborative process respects the
client's autonomy and acknowledges their expertise in their own life.
The process of reauthoring involves several key steps. First, clients are
encouraged to articulate the problem-saturated narratives that have been dominating
their lives. This involves exploring how these stories have been constructed, the roles
that various people and events have played in shaping them, and the impact they have
had on the client's self-concept and life choices. Through this exploration, clients
often begin to see these narratives as separate from themselves, which can be a
liberating realization.
Next, clients and therapists work together to identify unique outcomes or
exceptions to the problem-saturated narratives. These are moments or experiences that
contradict the dominant story and suggest alternative possibilities. By highlighting
these exceptions, clients can start to build a more nuanced and complex understanding
of their lives that includes strengths, resources, and positive experiences that were
previously overshadowed.
As clients begin to develop alternative narratives, the therapist supports them
in richly describing these new stories. This involves exploring the details of the
alternative narratives, including the thoughts, feelings, and actions associated with
them. Clients are encouraged to connect these new stories to their values, hopes, and
dreams, making them more compelling and resonant.
Throughout this process, the therapist uses various narrative techniques, such
as externalization, which involves treating problems as separate from the person, and
re-membering, which involves reconnecting with significant people and relationships
that support the new narrative. These techniques help clients to solidify their new
stories and integrate them into their lives in meaningful ways.
Ultimately, the goal of narrative therapy is to empower clients to live more
fulfilling and authentic lives by reauthoring their life stories in ways that reflect their
true selves and aspirations. This process is deeply personal and transformative,
allowing clients to move beyond limiting narratives and embrace a more hopeful and
empowering view of their future.
In conclusion, helping clients become aware of their previously unrecognized
but powerful internalized narratives is a critical step in narrative therapy. By engaging
in reauthoring therapeutic conversations, clients can develop alternative life stories
that are more aligned with their values and aspirations. The therapist's role is to
facilitate this process, providing support and guidance while respecting the client's
autonomy and expertise. Through this collaborative effort, clients can reauthor their
lives in ways that are meaningful and liberating, ultimately leading to greater
fulfillment and authenticity.
Cultural stories underlie, influence, and shape personal narratives (White,
1991), providing dominant narratives specifying the customary or preferred ways of
behaving within that culture. For example, if a society applauds women who strive for
thinness, judges success by body shape and size, and promotes self-surveillance and
individualism, then anorexia or bulimia are likely to be common problems. Similarly,
male violence and abuse against women can only thrive in a society that endorses
male dominance and patriarchy (Morgan, 2000). Beliefs that form the basis for
racism, sexism, ageism, class bias, and so forth represent other common toxic cultural
narratives. Narrative therapists attempt to engage families in conversations that
discover, acknowledge, and support the deconstruction of the cultural beliefs and
practices (customs, laws, institutions, language, and so on) that help perpetuate the
problem story.
White was influenced by Michel Foucault (1965, 1980), a French intellectual
and social critic who wrote extensively about the politics of power. Foucault saw
language as an instrument of power. He insisted that certain “stories” about life,
perpetuated as objective “truths” by the dominant culture, help maintain a society’s
power structure and eliminate alternate accounts of the same events (e.g., regarding
what constitutes normal sexuality or what behavior should be classified as
pathological or how to react to members of a minority community or what it takes to
be a “real” man). Those with dominant or expert knowledge (politicians, clergymen,
scientists, doctors, therapists), according to Foucault, hold the most power and
determine what knowledge is held to be true, right, or proper in society.
Because oppression is based upon the control of language, Foucault advocated
helping people to resist culture’s dominant discourses. He urged that certain dominant
cultural or institutional narratives be challenged, because following them
unquestioningly eliminates the consideration of alternative knowledge or viewpoints
and thus may be anathema to free choice or to the best interests of a particular
individual or family. Issues of power, privilege, oppression, control, ethics, and social
justice were high priorities for White in his therapeutic work. Cultural or institutional
discourses often not only constrain or oppress people but also lead to attitudes of
entitlement—that Whites are superior to non-Whites, men have the right to dominate
women, heterosexuality is normal while homosexuality is not, and so forth. Narrative
therapy is at the forefront in challenging such attitudes.
The influence of Michel Foucault on narrative therapy extends beyond just the
role of the therapist, the therapeutic process, and its overarching goals. Foucault's
ideas, particularly his critiques of power and knowledge, have profoundly shaped the
theoretical foundations of narrative therapy and attracted many family therapists to its
camp.
Foucault's examination of power dynamics, discourse, and the construction of
knowledge has encouraged narrative therapists to view problems not as inherent
within individuals, but as socially and culturally constructed phenomena. This
perspective highlights the ways in which dominant discourses and power structures
shape the narratives that individuals internalize about themselves and their lives. By
understanding the influence of power on these narratives, therapists can help clients
deconstruct and challenge the oppressive forces that contribute to their distress.
Furthermore, Foucault's emphasis on the importance of questioning and
resisting dominant power structures aligns closely with narrative therapy's
commitment to social justice. Narrative therapists recognize that oppressive social
norms and structures contribute to the construction of problem-saturated narratives,
and they strive to empower clients to resist these forces and reclaim agency over their
lives. This involves not only challenging the individual's internalized narratives but
also critiquing the broader social, political, and cultural contexts that perpetuate
inequality and injustice.
In practice, narrative therapy often involves collaborative and dialogical
processes that mirror Foucault's ideas about the decentralization of power. Therapists
adopt a non-hierarchical stance, positioning themselves as allies and co-constructors
of meaning rather than authorities or experts. This egalitarian approach empowers
clients to actively participate in the therapeutic process, contributing their own
insights, experiences, and perspectives.
The therapeutic process in narrative therapy reflects Foucault's notion of
discourse as a site of struggle and resistance. Through externalization techniques, for
example, therapists help clients separate themselves from the dominant problem-
saturated narratives, enabling them to critically examine and challenge these
narratives from a more objective standpoint. By externalizing the problem, clients can
explore alternative narratives that offer new possibilities for meaning-making and
identity construction.
Moreover, the goals of narrative therapy, including the development of
alternative life stories and the promotion of agency and self-determination, resonate
with Foucault's vision of individuals as active agents in shaping their own realities.
Narrative therapists seek to empower clients to become authors of their own lives,
capable of rewriting their stories in ways that reflect their values, aspirations, and
preferred ways of being. This process of reauthoring is inherently political, as it
involves challenging dominant discourses and reclaiming marginalized voices.
In summary, Foucault's influence on narrative therapy extends to its theoretical
underpinnings, therapeutic practices, and social justice orientation. By adopting a
critical stance toward power and discourse, narrative therapists aim to empower
clients to challenge oppressive narratives, reclaim agency, and enact meaningful
change in their lives and communities. This shared commitment to questioning power
and promoting social justice has attracted many family therapists to the narrative
therapy camp, making it a vibrant and dynamic approach within the broader field of
psychotherapy.
Therapists with a narrative orientation typically view client stories through a
political lens—particularly those stories that oppress people’s lives (racism, sexism,
gender or class bias, gay bashing). Here they are extending Foucault’s analysis of
society to the personal or family levels, arguing further that certain internalized
narratives (e.g., what it means in our society to be successful or worthwhile in life)
often become oppressively self-policing and lead to a selfsubjugating narrative of
failure for falling short of the arbitrary achievement mark.
Furthermore, the process of internalizing narrow, culturally based, dominant
discourses not only impacts individuals' present experiences but also shapes their
outlook on the future in self-defeating ways, while simultaneously limiting alternative
modes of thinking and being in life.
When individuals internalize these dominant discourses, which often uphold
rigid norms, values, and expectations prescribed by society, they inadvertently adopt a
constrained view of themselves and their potential futures. These narratives, deeply
ingrained through socialization processes, dictate what is deemed acceptable,
desirable, or achievable, thus narrowing the scope of possibilities for personal growth,
fulfillment, and success. Consequently, individuals may develop a sense of
resignation or hopelessness about their future prospects, believing that they are fated
to conform to predetermined paths or roles.
This self-defeating outlook about the future is reinforced by the pervasive
nature of these dominant discourses, which permeate various aspects of social,
cultural, and institutional life. Whether through media representations, educational
curricula, or interpersonal interactions, individuals are constantly exposed to
narratives that reinforce certain norms and expectations while marginalizing or
erasing alternative perspectives. This creates a cycle of conformity and complacency,
wherein individuals feel compelled to adhere to these dominant discourses out of fear
of social ostracism or marginalization.
Moreover, the internalization of narrow, culturally based discourses not only
restricts individuals' future possibilities but also constrains their capacity for
imaginative and creative thinking about alternative ways of being in life. By accepting
these dominant narratives as truth or inevitability, individuals foreclose opportunities
for exploration, experimentation, and self-expression. They may become trapped
within rigid cognitive frameworks that limit their ability to envision alternative
futures or pursue unconventional paths.
In essence, the process of internalizing dominant discourses represents a form
of ideological control, wherein individuals' thoughts, beliefs, and aspirations are
shaped and constrained by external forces. Breaking free from this ideological grip
requires a critical awareness of the ways in which dominant discourses operate to
maintain power structures and perpetuate inequality. It also necessitates a
commitment to challenging these discourses, both individually and collectively, and
actively seeking out alternative narratives that affirm diversity, autonomy, and agency.
Therapeutic interventions, such as narrative therapy, play a crucial role in this
process by providing individuals with a space to deconstruct and reframe the
dominant narratives that govern their lives. Through collaborative dialogue and
exploration, clients can begin to identify the ways in which these narratives have
shaped their perceptions and behaviors, while also envisioning new possibilities for
self-definition and empowerment. By reclaiming authorship of their own life stories,
individuals can cultivate a more expansive and hopeful outlook on the future, one that
is not limited by narrow, culturally based discourses, but instead embraces the
richness and diversity of human experience.
c. A Therapeutic Philosophy
A narrative therapist’s efforts are respectfully directed at liberating the client
from hopelessness by helping that person recognize the previously subjugated plots
and subplots of his or her life. Instead of playing the role of expert and objectively
diagnosing someone’s motives, needs, drives, ego strengths, or personality
characteristics, the narrative therapist is interested in collaborating or consulting with
people, giving what they have to say equal privilege, and helping them consider
alternative dreams. For example, White explored with a client what a particular belief
or act reflects about the client’s visions or outlook or dreams. Such a poststructuralist
approach is intended to open up conversation about client values, beliefs, and
purposes, giving them the opportunity to consider a wide range of choices while freed
from personal or cultural oppressive demands.
Michael White's approach to narrative therapy emphasizes the principle that
the interpretations of the therapist are not privileged or honored over the meaning the
client assigns to their own views. This fundamental aspect of narrative therapy reflects
a commitment to decentering the therapist, ensuring that they remain influential but
not the central focus of therapeutic interactions. Expanding upon this principle
involves exploring how the decentered nature of the narrative therapist impacts the
therapeutic process and relationship.
In narrative therapy, the decentering of the therapist serves to empower clients
and elevate their agency in shaping their own narratives and therapeutic journey. By
acknowledging that the client's perspective and interpretation of their experiences are
paramount, the therapist creates a collaborative and egalitarian environment where the
client's voice is valued and respected. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and
autonomy for the client, enabling them to actively engage in the process of meaning-
making and self-discovery.
Decentering the therapist also entails a recognition of the diverse perspectives
and cultural backgrounds that clients bring to therapy. Narrative therapists strive to be
culturally sensitive and responsive, acknowledging the influence of social, political,
and historical contexts on clients' lives and narratives. This involves actively listening
to and validating the client's lived experiences, while also being mindful of the
therapist's own biases and assumptions.
Moreover, the decentered nature of the narrative therapist encourages a
collaborative and dialogical approach to therapy. Rather than adopting a top-down or
expert-driven model, therapists engage in mutual exploration and co-construction of
meaning with their clients. This involves asking open-ended questions, actively
listening to the client's responses, and inviting them to reflect on their experiences and
perspectives. Through this process, clients are empowered to become active
participants in shaping their own narratives and solutions to their problems.
Furthermore, the decentering of the therapist extends beyond the therapeutic
session itself to the broader context of therapeutic practice and theory. Narrative
therapists are encouraged to engage in ongoing self-reflection and critical inquiry into
their own assumptions, values, and practices. This involves being open to feedback
from clients and colleagues, as well as staying informed about emerging research and
developments in the field. By continually challenging and expanding their own
perspectives, therapists can better support their clients in their journey of self-
discovery and transformation.
In summary, Michael White's approach to narrative therapy emphasizes the
decentering of the therapist, ensuring that the interpretations and perspectives of the
client remain central to the therapeutic process. This commitment to empowering
clients, promoting cultural sensitivity, and fostering collaboration underscores the
transformative potential of narrative therapy as a client-centered approach to healing
and growth.
For example, the narrative therapist might ask such questions as “What was
that experience like for you?” followed by “What effect did it have on your life?” or
“Why was this so important to you?” In asking such questions, the therapist is
focusing on the person’s expressions of his or her experiences of life and the preferred
interpretative pathway he or she chooses to give meaning to those experiences. An
important therapeutic twin goal here is the deconstruction of domineering self-
narratives and the reestablishment of freedom, individually and as a family, from the
dominant discourses of the culture.
Reauthoring conversations in narrative therapy serve as a dynamic and
transformative process aimed at invigorating clients to gain a deeper understanding of
their lived experiences. These conversations delve into not only what happened in
their lives but also how it happened and, crucially, what these events mean to them
personally. By engaging in this reflective and collaborative exploration, clients are
empowered to reinterpret their narratives and consider more positive options for
leading their lives more fully. Expanding upon this process involves delving into the
various components and outcomes of reauthoring conversations within the context of
narrative therapy.
First and foremost, reauthoring conversations provide clients with a platform
to revisit and reinterpret their life stories from a fresh perspective. Through guided
inquiry and reflective dialogue, clients are encouraged to examine the events,
relationships, and circumstances that have shaped their narratives. This process allows
them to identify and challenge the dominant or problem-saturated stories that may
have been limiting their sense of self and possibilities for the future.
Furthermore, reauthoring conversations facilitate a deeper exploration of the
underlying meanings and interpretations attached to significant life events. Clients are
invited to reflect on the subjective significance of these experiences, considering how
they have influenced their beliefs, values, and sense of identity. This reflective process
can be both enlightening and empowering, as clients gain insight into the ways in
which their narratives have been constructed and maintained over time.
In addition to understanding what happened and why it matters, reauthoring
conversations encourage clients to envision alternative narratives and possibilities for
their lives. By exploring more positive and empowering interpretations of their
experiences, clients can begin to imagine new pathways forward that align with their
values, aspirations, and strengths. This process of reframing allows clients to break
free from the constraints of problem-saturated narratives and embrace a more hopeful
and expansive view of their future.
Moreover, reauthoring conversations often involve the exploration of personal
agency and resilience in the face of adversity. Clients are encouraged to recognize and
celebrate their capacity to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and enact positive
change in their lives. This strengths-based approach fosters a sense of empowerment
and self-efficacy, as clients recognize their ability to shape their own narratives and
chart their own course.
Furthermore, reauthoring conversations may involve the cultivation of new
skills, strategies, and resources to support clients in living more fully and
authentically. Whether through developing coping mechanisms, setting achievable
goals, or fostering supportive relationships, clients are encouraged to take practical
steps towards realizing their preferred narratives and outcomes. This process of action
and experimentation reinforces the notion that change is possible and achievable,
further motivating clients to pursue their desired futures.
In summary, reauthoring conversations in narrative therapy serve as a catalyst
for personal growth, empowerment, and transformation. By exploring the meaning of
past experiences, envisioning new possibilities, and taking proactive steps towards
change, clients are empowered to lead more fulfilling and authentic lives. Through
collaborative dialogue and reflection, narrative therapists guide clients on a journey of
self-discovery and reclamation of agency, ultimately helping them to rewrite their life
stories in ways that resonate with their true selves.
d. Therapeutic Conversations
Michael White's development of externalizing conversations within the
framework of narrative therapy represents a significant innovation aimed at
addressing the way clients internalize and personalize their problems. By introducing
the concept of externalization, White sought to help clients detach themselves from
their problems and explore new meanings and possibilities for understanding their
experiences. Expanding upon this approach involves delving into the principles and
techniques of externalizing conversations and their impact on the therapeutic process.
At the heart of externalizing conversations is the recognition that many clients
tend to internalize problems, attributing them to personal flaws or shortcomings. This
internalization often takes the form of self-critical or defeatist narratives, such as "I
always manage to get things wrong. I'm hopeless." These self-defeating beliefs can
have a profound impact on clients' self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being,
perpetuating a cycle of negativity and despair.
In response to this challenge, White introduced externalizing conversations as
a means of helping clients reframe their relationship to their problems. Instead of
viewing problems as inherent within themselves, clients are encouraged to externalize
them, treating them as separate and distinct entities with their own characteristics and
influences. This shift in perspective allows clients to distance themselves from their
problems and explore them from a more objective standpoint.
The aim of externalizing conversations is twofold: to help clients recognize
that they and the problem are not one and the same, and to encourage them to attach
new meanings to their experiences. By externalizing the problem, clients can begin to
see it as something external to themselves, rather than an inherent aspect of their
identity. This separation opens up space for exploration and reflection, enabling
clients to consider alternative narratives and interpretations of their experiences.
One of the key techniques used in externalizing conversations is the use of
metaphor and language to personify the problem. Clients are invited to give their
problems a name, identity, and voice, allowing them to externalize and objectify them
in a tangible way. This process can be both empowering and liberating, as clients gain
a sense of agency and control over their problems, rather than feeling overwhelmed or
defined by them.
Moreover, externalizing conversations provide a platform for clients to
challenge the dominant narratives and discourses that contribute to their problems. By
externalizing the problem, clients can explore the ways in which societal, cultural, and
systemic factors may have influenced its development and perpetuation. This critical
inquiry opens up possibilities for collective action and social change, as clients
recognize the broader contexts in which their problems are situated.
Furthermore, externalizing conversations facilitate the exploration of
alternative stories and identities that challenge the dominant problem-saturated
narratives. Clients are encouraged to consider how they have resisted or coped with
their problems in the past, as well as envision new possibilities for moving forward.
This strengths-based approach fosters a sense of resilience and agency, as clients
recognize their capacity to rewrite their life stories in ways that reflect their values,
aspirations, and strengths.
In summary, externalizing conversations in narrative therapy represent a
powerful tool for helping clients reframe their relationship to their problems and
explore new possibilities for understanding their experiences. By externalizing the
problem, clients can detach themselves from self-defeating narratives and explore
alternative stories and identities that empower them to lead more fulfilling and
authentic lives. Through collaborative dialogue and reflection, narrative therapists
guide clients on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, ultimately helping
them to reclaim agency and authorship over their own narratives.
Externalizations are designed to help separate the person’s identity from the
problem for which help is sought while helping the client revise his or her relationship
with the problem and its restraining influence over his or her life. This therapeutic
stratagem is based on the premise that the client is not the problem, and the family is
not the problem; the problem is the problem. Consequently, no time is devoted to
discovering family patterns or exploring family dynamics, nor to searching for critical
events in the past that led to the current situation. Narrative therapists are not
concerned with how family interactional patterns affected the presenting problem; on
the contrary, they are interested in how the problem affected the family.
Narrative therapists help families “externalize” a restraining problem—in
effect, by reframing the problem from an internal deficiency or pathological condition
in the individual, couple, or family to an objectified external and unwelcome narrative
with a will of its own to dominate their lives. The therapist then encourages the family
to unite against that problem. Starting with the family’s set of beliefs and use of
language in describing the problem (an adolescent daughter’s anorexia, a mother’s
depression, a couple who are bad communicators), the family is encouraged by the
therapist’s questioning to view the problem as existing outside the family. To effect
this viewpoint, it sometimes helps to personify the problem, making it a separate
entity (sometimes giving it an agreed-upon name based on the family’s description of
the problem) rather than an internal characteristic or attribute of the symptomatic
person.
Instead of finding fault with that person for giving the family problems
through the appearance of symptoms, the family now looks at the problem as an
external entity and is better able to collaborate in altering their way of thinking about
developing new options for their lives. This paves the way for reducing self-blame
and generating thickly described alternative stories. When the adolescent identifies
herself by saying, “I am anorexic,” the therapist might ask, “What was Anorexia’s
purpose in deceiving you by promising you happiness but bringing you despair?” Or
perhaps the mother will be challenged to look at her depression not as some
internalized, objective truth about herself but rather as an external burden: “How long
has Depression been controlling your life?” The “troubled” young boy might be
assisted in externalizing the problem by giving it a name (“How did Mr. Mischief
manage to trick you all this time?”). By identifying when Mr. Mischief is most likely
to visit, the boy can construct more hopeful ways of outmanuevering Mr. Mischief.
Guiding clients to separate themselves from the problem can help them notice other
possible choices for individual or family behavior (Denborough, 2014).
Them notice other possible choices for individual or family behavior
(Denborough, 2014). Externalizing has great appeal for families who see their
inability to rid the symptomatic person of the problem as a reflection of themselves as
failures. Or perhaps they have blamed the symptomatic person (“It’s Harry’s nature to
be depressed” or “His constant depression is destroying the family”). Or they transfer
the blame from one person to another (“it’s not the son’s fault, it’s his mother’s”).
Now they are presented with a nonpathological, externalized view of the problem
(“Sadness sometimes overtakes Harry”), one in which no one is to blame. Perhaps
they begin to realize that the symptomatic person doesn’t like the effects of his
feelings any more than any other family member does.
Next, they are offered an empowering opportunity to co-construct with the
therapist a new narrative that provides an alternate account of their lives. Two related
processes are operating here: unraveling the history of the problem that shaped their
lives and reconstructing or reauthoring an alternate (previously subjugated) story that
was obscured by the dominant story. Externalizing conversations with all family
members present enables them to separate from the stories they have told themselves
about themselves; they can then work as a team on the now-externalized problem they
hope to defeat.
Narrative therapy uses questions like an investigative journalist to explore “the
influence and operations of the problem” (Denborough, 2014). White’s respectful but
persistent questioning typically is directed at what the person is experiencing (“What
is Self-Consciousness trying to talk you into about yourself?”) and how the problem is
being experienced (“How does SelfConsciousness affect you socially? With women?
When you want to ask the boss for a raise?”). To achieve a “rich” or “thick”
description, the therapist might ask the client to describe the problematic story—and
later, the alternative story—in various ways and in varying situations, often
interweaving questions regarding the new story, for example, with the stories of
others.
Cultural discourses play a significant role in shaping our perceptions, beliefs,
and self-concept, often influencing how we view ourselves and others. In narrative
therapy, questioning these cultural discourses is essential for helping clients
understand the societal norms and expectations that have contributed to the
construction of their identities and narratives. Expanding upon this approach involves
exploring the ways in which cultural discourses impact individuals' self-consciousness
and the therapeutic process.
When addressing cultural discourses in therapy, narrative therapists often
invite clients to critically examine the societal messages and stereotypes surrounding
various aspects of identity, such as gender, race, sexuality, and social class. By posing
questions like, "How do you think society views aggressive and unaggressive men,
and what does that say to you about your self-consciousness?" therapists encourage
clients to reflect on the ways in which these cultural discourses shape their sense of
self and influence their behavior.
For example, in the context of masculinity, clients may have internalized
cultural messages that equate masculinity with aggression, dominance, and emotional
stoicism. These messages can create a sense of pressure to conform to traditional
gender roles and expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy or self-consciousness
when one does not fit neatly into these categories.
Through questioning and dialogue, narrative therapists help clients deconstruct
these cultural discourses, exposing their underlying assumptions and biases. Clients
are encouraged to explore alternative narratives and interpretations of masculinity that
align with their values, beliefs, and lived experiences. This process of critical inquiry
empowers clients to challenge societal norms and redefine masculinity on their own
terms, embracing a more inclusive and authentic sense of self.
Moreover, questioning cultural discourses in therapy provides an opportunity
to examine the intersectionality of identity and the ways in which multiple cultural
narratives intersect and interact to shape individuals' experiences. For instance, a
client may navigate not only gendered expectations but also racial or socioeconomic
stereotypes that compound their sense of self-consciousness and identity struggle.
In addition to exploring how cultural discourses impact clients' self-
consciousness, narrative therapists also assist clients in identifying the ways in which
they resist or subvert these dominant narratives. Clients may draw upon their own
cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and relationships to challenge societal
norms and assert their own identities. By highlighting these acts of resistance,
therapists validate clients' agency and resilience in the face of cultural pressures.
Furthermore, questioning cultural discourses in therapy fosters a sense of
cultural humility and sensitivity among therapists, encouraging them to recognize
their own biases and privileges. Therapists may engage in ongoing self-reflection and
education to better understand the diverse cultural contexts in which their clients live
and navigate. By acknowledging the influence of cultural discourses on both clients
and therapists, narrative therapy can promote a more inclusive and culturally
responsive approach to healing and growth.
In summary, questioning cultural discourses in therapy is integral to the
narrative therapy approach, as it helps clients understand the societal messages and
stereotypes that shape their sense of self and influence their behavior. By engaging in
critical inquiry and dialogue, clients can challenge dominant narratives, redefine their
identities, and reclaim agency over their own stories. Through this process, narrative
therapy empowers clients to navigate the complexities of cultural identity with
resilience, authenticity, and self-awareness.
White’s approach employs directed questions (unlike Anderson and
Goolishian’s conversational tone) that encourage families to view the problem as
some entity or thing situated outside the family, separate from their identity. Parents
with a symptomatic adolescent (say, a teenager who is refusing to attend school)
might be asked: How has the problem affected Sean’s life? Your life? Your
relationships? How has the problem affected you as parents? Your view of
yourselves? Your behavior with one another? With your friends? The technique allows
the family to distance themselves from the problem, detach from the story that shaped
their self-view and dominated their lives, and to create an alternative account.
Narrative therapists believe that families with problems typically offer
problem-saturated stories, pessimistic and self-defeating narratives about themselves,
reflecting their frustration, despair, and powerlessness (“We never know from day to
day what mood Harry will be in”). Narrative therapists help families identify
previously subjugated stories involving success or alternative views by locating
“facts” that contradict earlier self-descriptions (times when Harry overcame his
sadness and was fun to be around) that they were unable to perceive due to problem-
saturated accounts of their family life.
Next, the narrative therapist listens for descriptions of events or experiences
that do not fit the problematic story, when the problem’s influence was less apparent
or nonexistent. These are entryways to reauthoring conversations and alternative story
lines. Or the therapist might ask the family to search for unique outcomes—perhaps
exceptional events, actions, or thoughts contradicting their dominant problem-
saturated story, when the problem did not defeat them. This is similar to solution-
focused therapy, as both ask clients to search for exceptions—experiences that
contradict a problem-dominated story— and help clients find more empowering
alternative stories.
As clients proceed in this process, it is as though the therapist has helped them
escape entrapment in the basement of a multistory building to gain access to the upper
floors, where they can enlarge their view and see the horizon that was denied to them
in the basement. They no longer feel trapped by their problematic stories—other
vistas are more visible. (Some stories, of course, have greater staying power than
others, especially if supported by strong cultural beliefs, and they are not easily
deconstructed.) Reporting unique outcomes may strengthen the alternative story.
Narrative therapists encourage clients to tell and retell the preferred stories, thickening
them by going into detail, interweaving them with the lives and stories of other
people. The thickening process keeps clients connected to the new preferred story line
and beginning to live out the preferred story in place of the problematic one. In some
cases, reflecting teams or outside witness groups (discussed later) reinforce the
alternative narratives. In the following section, we consider other ways of thickening
the preferred story.
e. Therapeutic Ceremonies, Letters, and Leagues
Creating a richer description of the alternative story within narrative therapy
involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses various supplementary practices
aimed at helping clients stay connected to their preferred narratives. The overarching
goal of these practices is to enrich clients' lived experiences by cultivating a more
diverse and multifaceted understanding of their identities, relationships, and
possibilities for the future. Expanding upon this process involves exploring the
principles and techniques employed by narrative therapists to promote multistoried
lives.
One key practice employed by narrative therapists is the use of externalization
techniques to separate clients from their dominant or problem-saturated narratives. By
externalizing the problem, clients can gain distance and perspective, allowing them to
explore alternative stories and identities that challenge the constraints of their
dominant narratives. This process involves personifying the problem, giving it a
name, identity, and voice, which enables clients to engage in dialogue and negotiation
with it.
Furthermore, narrative therapists often employ the use of metaphor and
language to help clients construct richer and more nuanced descriptions of their
preferred narratives. Metaphors can serve as powerful tools for expressing complex
emotions, experiences, and aspirations in a symbolic and evocative manner. Through
guided exploration and reflection, clients can develop a deeper understanding of the
meanings and themes that underpin their preferred narratives, fostering a sense of
coherence and continuity in their lives.
In addition to metaphorical language, narrative therapists may utilize creative
and expressive arts techniques to enhance clients' engagement with their preferred
narratives. Activities such as journaling, drawing, storytelling, or role-playing can
provide alternative avenues for self-expression and exploration, enabling clients to
access deeper layers of their lived experiences. These creative modalities offer a
tangible and embodied means of connecting with the preferred narrative, making it
more vivid and tangible.
Moreover, narrative therapists often encourage clients to engage in relational
practices that promote connection, belonging, and reciprocity within their preferred
narratives. This may involve identifying and nurturing supportive relationships,
cultivating a sense of community or belonging, and fostering empathy and
compassion towards oneself and others. By strengthening relational bonds, clients can
anchor themselves more securely within their preferred narratives, drawing on the
support and validation of others to sustain their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Additionally, narrative therapists may incorporate mindfulness and
embodiment practices into their therapeutic approach to help clients stay grounded
and present in their preferred narratives. Techniques such as meditation, body
awareness, and breathwork can help clients cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and
acceptance of their experiences, fostering resilience and emotional regulation. By
cultivating a mindful and embodied presence, clients can more effectively navigate
the complexities of their preferred narratives with greater clarity and intentionality.
Furthermore, narrative therapists may assist clients in identifying and
amplifying unique outcomes or exceptions to their dominant narratives, highlighting
moments of resilience, creativity, and agency that challenge the prevailing themes of
struggle or limitation. By recognizing and celebrating these alternative stories, clients
can strengthen their connection to their preferred narratives, fostering a sense of
empowerment and possibility.
In summary, creating a richer description of the alternative story within
narrative therapy involves employing a range of supplementary practices aimed at
helping clients stay connected to their preferred narratives. By externalizing the
problem, employing metaphor and language, engaging in creative and expressive arts,
cultivating relational connections, practicing mindfulness and embodiment, and
amplifying unique outcomes, clients can cultivate more multistoried lives that reflect
their values, aspirations, and strengths. Through these practices, narrative therapy
aims to empower clients to rewrite their life stories in ways that resonate with their
true selves and lead to greater fulfillment and authenticity.
Adapting some of the definitional ceremony metaphors of anthropologist
Barbara Meyerhoff (1986) for therapeutic purposes, narrative therapists may provide
clients with the opportunity to tell (or perform) the stories of their lives before an
audience of outside witnesses, drawing attention to how they attribute meaning to
their experiences. Then they may call upon observers from the nonjudgmental
audience (reflecting team members if the observers are professionals, outside witness
group members if they are not) to respond to the stories they have just heard (retelling
the stories they just heard). Through this telling and retelling process, many of the
plots and alternative stories of people’s lives are thickened and linked to their ongoing
values and commitments. Options for future action are sometimes introduced as
clients hear what about their lives or identities captured the attention and imagination
of the audience members. This may lead to retellings of retellings (the client responds
to what was told by the outsiders) and retellings of retellings of retellings (by the first
set of outside witnesses or a secondary group of witnesses), and so forth. The
definitional ceremony (White, 1997) helps authenticate clients’ preferred claims about
themselves and thicken alternative stories.
Outside witness groups of at least two members may be friends, family
members, therapists, or community members—anyone able to observe the reauthoring
conversation between therapist and clients and later offer relevant retelling
experiences. Morgan (2000) offers the example of a child, subjected to teasing and
harassment, meeting with a team of children who experienced similar oppression so
they can offer their coping experiences. The outside witness group observes the
narrative interview with the child and family from behind a one-way mirror—so as
not to intrude on what is taking place—then changes places with the family, which
observes as each outside witness retells what he or she has just observed. In some
cases, witnesses may comment on how the conversation between therapist and family
affected their thinking about their own lives.
Called “decentered sharing” (White, 1997), this technique acknowledges the
link between all participants but does so in a way that respects the client family as the
center of the retelling. The focus of discussion for the witnesses—typically in the
form of questioning each other about what they heard—is likely to concern the
alternative stories and unique outcomes they identified in observing the therapist–
family interaction and to indicate how what they witnessed resonated with their own
life experiences. The aim of such dialogue between witnesses is to build upon each
other’s stories and to enrich the emerging alternative stories that caught their
attention, possibly because it reflected their own experiences. In typical narrative
fashion, witnesses do not presume to know what is right or best for this particular
family, nor is it their place to offer opinions about how the telling person should lead
his or her life. Neither do they hold up their own lives and actions as models or
examples.
Once again swapping places, the clients comment on the retelling by the
outside witness group (retellings of the retellings). Finally, everyone involved—
therapist, family, witnesses— meets to further reflect on what transpired. The entire
process, if successful, helps separate the clients from the problem-saturated stories
and helps rebuild their lives around preferred stories of their identity (Morgan, 2000).
Denborough (2014) notes that it is possible to engage remembered or imagined
audiences as a client tells and retells a story. Remembered audiences are people who
cheered the client on earlier in life; even though they may not be present now, their
voices can be summoned by imagining what they might say today to the client’s story.
The narrative therapist helps the client identify and utilize these voices from the past.
Narrative therapists often use letters sent to clients in therapeutic ways,
especially in supplementing and extending therapeutic sessions and keeping clients
connected to the emerging alternative story. With the clients’ consent, Epston in
particular routinely employs therapeutic letters in summarizing sessions, inviting
reluctant members to attend future sessions, and addressing the future. This enables
the therapist to extend conversations while encouraging family members to record or
map out their own individualized view of the sequences of events in their lives over a
period of time. Letters may reduce the perception of hierarchy and enhance the
therapeutic alliance.
Letters, because they can be read and reread days, months, or even years later,
have great continuity value; they thicken or enrich an alternative story line and help
clients stay immersed in the reauthoring process. Epston and White (1992) estimate
that a single letter can be as useful as at least four or five therapy sessions. Epston
(2009) recognizes that the letter writing technique must adapt as technology advances.
Moules (2009) notes that email letters may be more expedient and interactive than
traditional letters (the same could be said for texting) but identifies potential boundary
concerns and that therapists must attend to legal and ethical issues in electronic
communication; the key issue is maintaining the careful therapeutic nature of any
written communication, despite the medium.
Summary letters based on careful note taking and attuned to discussion during
the session that opened up the possibilities for alternatives to the client’s problem-
saturated stories are sent to the client following each session (Epston, 1994). The
client’s own words are carefully recalled and included in the summary letter. A
reminder of some unique outcomes discussed during the session might also be
included. Epston sends letters of invitation to family members reluctant to attend
sessions; most are surprised and pleased by his caring about them and their place in
the family, and they may begin to attend. Redundancy letters note that certain
members have taken on duplicate roles in the family (being a father to one’s brother)
and wish to change them.
In narrative therapy, the conclusion of therapy often involves the collaborative
creation of discharge letters that serve as symbolic artifacts of the client's journey and
achievements. These letters not only express gratitude for the client's progress but also
acknowledge the contributions of significant others, while also signaling a transition
towards new possibilities and narratives. Expanding upon this process involves
exploring the purpose and content of discharge letters, as well as the role of letters of
prediction in forecasting continued success.
The discharge letter, co-authored by the therapist and client, serves as a
culmination of the therapeutic process, encapsulating the client's achievements,
insights, and growth throughout therapy. In addition to expressing appreciation for the
client's courage and commitment to change, the letter may also acknowledge the
support and involvement of other family members or significant individuals who have
played a role in the client's journey. This includes thanking them for their
contributions and support, while also informing them that their specific role may no
longer be needed as the client moves forward.
For example, if a family member has been fulfilling a particular role within the
client's problem-saturated narrative, such as enabling or reinforcing negative patterns
of behavior, the discharge letter may gently communicate that the client no longer
requires that role to be filled. This can be done in a respectful and appreciative
manner, emphasizing the client's agency and empowerment in rewriting their own
narrative.
Moreover, the discharge letter may serve as a means of reinforcing the client's
preferred narrative and signaling a shift towards new possibilities and directions in
life. By articulating the client's strengths, resources, and aspirations, the letter affirms
their capacity for continued growth and resilience beyond the confines of therapy. It
may also highlight the progress made in challenging and reframing problem-saturated
narratives, paving the way for a more multistoried and empowering future.
In addition to discharge letters, narrative therapists may also collaborate with
clients to create letters of prediction that envision the client's continued success and
exploration of new possibilities post-therapy. These letters serve as affirmations of the
client's agency and potential, projecting a sense of optimism and hope for the future.
By articulating specific goals, intentions, and aspirations, the letter of prediction
reinforces the client's commitment to ongoing growth and transformation beyond the
therapeutic setting.
Furthermore, letters of prediction may incorporate elements of storytelling and
narrative projection, inviting the client to imagine themselves as the protagonist of
their own life story, navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and embracing new
adventures. This narrative approach fosters a sense of agency and authorship over
one's own life, empowering the client to actively shape their future in alignment with
their values and aspirations.
Moreover, letters of prediction may also include reflections on the client's
journey of self-discovery and empowerment, highlighting key insights, turning points,
and moments of resilience along the way. By acknowledging the progress made and
lessons learned in therapy, the letter reinforces the client's confidence and self-
efficacy in navigating future challenges and opportunities.
In summary, discharge letters and letters of prediction serve as powerful tools
within narrative therapy for celebrating achievements, acknowledging support, and
envisioning new possibilities for the future. Through collaborative reflection and
storytelling, these letters affirm the client's agency and resilience, signaling a
transition towards a more empowered and multistoried narrative. By articulating
gratitude, empowerment, and optimism, these letters reinforce the client's
commitment to ongoing growth and transformation beyond the therapeutic setting.
Separating one’s identity from an external problem is part of the underlying
philosophy of narrative therapy. Typical of this outlook is the development of Anti-
Anorexia/Anti-Bulimia Leagues, begun by Epston in New Zealand, that spread to the
United States, Canada, and Australia. They are based on the idea that people who have
experienced certain problems, such as anorexia and bulimia, have the experience and
knowledge about the problem to help one another by sharing their experiences with
each other. Through shared experiences, clients can build upon each other’s skills to
defeat the problem. Offering mutual support, participants can team up and begin
changing their relationship to the problem, perhaps reauthoring their lives to cope
successfully with food and body image. Members speak of personally painful issues
they might otherwise keep to themselves, and then take some social action to bring
about greater public awareness. Audiotapes, artwork, letters to one another, periodic
meetings, handbooks, public speeches, a newsletter, monitoring of magazine and
newspaper ads—all represent politically inspired efforts to develop a supportive
subculture, a logical extension of narrative therapy’s goals of achieving liberation
from destructive cultural narratives. The therapist plays an influential but decentered
role here; in this community effort all voices are privileged, not just those of
professional therapists.
Similar leagues deal specifically with other issues. Fraenkel and Shannon
(2009), for example, describe a collaborative group that works with homeless families
living in shelters. Narrative-based discussion groups help homeless family members
tell the stories of how they became homeless, witnessed by others. Of particular
importance is the opportunity to tell one’s story without fear of getting into trouble
with law officials or social organizations that are currently providing financial or
other benefits. The production of group narratives—old and new—helps individuals
overcome a sense of isolation and gain hopefulness. As is generally the case in
working with narrative therapy, strengths are emphasized so that problems (perhaps
externalized) can seem more manageable or solvable. And true to the narrative
approach to therapy, homeless individuals are helped to see that their identities are
separate from their circumstances of being homeless.
