Basics of Narrative Therapy

Founder/developer(s) of the theory: Michael White and David Epston  

Summary of the key concepts and therapeutic process: 

Key Concepts:

1. The client is not the problem—the problem is the problem.

2. People create meaning in their lives through stories; dominant or “problem-saturated” stories can shape identity in unhelpful ways.

3. Externalization: Separating the problem from the person (“anger” becomes “the volcano,” for example).

4. Deconstruction: Breaking down problem stories to understand underlying assumptions and influences (e.g., cultural, societal).

5. Unique outcomes: Identifying exceptions to the problem story where the client demonstrated strength or resilience.

6. Re-authoring: Helping clients construct alternative stories that reflect their values, hopes, and identity.

Therapeutic Process: involves several intentional, collaborative steps designed to help clients re-author the stories they live by. Here's a breakdown of the key stages:

1. Establishing a Collaborative Relationship

• The therapist positions the client as the expert of their own life.

• The therapeutic relationship is respectful, curious, and non-pathologizing.
  The therapist works with the client, not on them.
  2. Externalizing the Problem

• The problem is viewed as separate from the person (e.g., “You are not anxious; anxiety is something you deal with”).

• This reduces blame and shame and opens up space for exploration and change.

• Example: Naming the problem (“the volcano” for anger) to discuss it more objectively.
  3. Mapping the Effects of the Problem

• The therapist helps the client explore how the problem impacts various areas of their life—thoughts, feelings, relationships, behavior.

• This builds awareness and helps the client gain insight into the problem's influence.

4. Deconstructing the Dominant Story

• The client and therapist examine how cultural, familial, or societal narratives may have contributed to the problem-saturated story.

• The goal is to understand where the current story came from and what sustains it.
  5. Identifying Unique Outcomes (Sparkling Moments)

• The therapist looks for times when the client acted against the problem or experienced success, even in small ways.

• These exceptions show that the dominant narrative isn’t the whole story.
  6. Re-authoring the Narrative

• Together, the therapist and client build a new story based on the client’s values, hopes, skills, and unique outcomes.

• This new story emphasizes identity, resilience, and agency.
  7. Reinforcing the New Narrative

• The therapist might use techniques like letter writing, certificates, or therapeutic documents (Stone, 2011) to help the client internalize and maintain their new story.

• Support networks and significant people in the client's life may also be involved to affirm the change.

Goals of Theory:

• 1. 1. Empower clients to reshape the stories they live by.

     2. Help clients reduce self-blame and reclaim agency over their lives.

     3. Foster identity development through alternative narratives that highlight personal strengths and values.