Narrative Therapy is about stories
Each branch or model of psychotherapy has its own way of viewing people and problems. Narrative Therapy is based on the principle that as humans we make meaning of our lives through the stories we tell ourselves and each other about our lives. The tenor of these stories has a profound effect on how we experience our lives. This can be positive or negative depending on the effects and the meaning they have for the people involved.
Narrative Therapy is about relationships
I was drawn to the psychotherapy field by a fascination with relationships. One unique way Narrative Therapy uses story is in the exploration of the client’s relationship with the problem. It looks at the impact of the problem on all the relationships in the client’s life. Instead of looking at the problem as residing in a person, Narrative looks at the problem as separate and examines its influence on the various relationships in that person’s life. Narrative sees the ways people and relationships stand up to problems as equally important as how they are oppressed by them.
Narrative therapy is about blaming the problem, not the person
The person is never the problem. Narrative therapy embraces the stance that the problem is the problem. As a Narrative therapist I take a collaborative, non-blaming approach in which I work together with clients to explore problem stories and find preferred alternatives.
When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending. Brené Brown
Want to know more?
I’d be happy to talk with you about Narrative therapy and whether it could be a good fit for you. Are you intrigued about Narrative Therapy or want to experience it first hand? Give me a call (or email) and we can talk more or set up an appointment: 707-765-2635
If you are interested in reading more about Narrative Therapy, Alice Morgan wrote What is Narrative Therapy: An easy-to-read introduction. You can read the first two chapters on the Dulwich Centre website.