Narrative Therapy
What is Narrative Therapy?
Narrative therapy was developed by psychologists Michael White and David Epston in the 1980s. Both believed that traditional forms of therapy were too focused on diagnosing and treating mental illness, and that a more holistic approach was needed. They developed narrative therapy as a way of helping people to reframe the stories they tell themselves about their lives, and create new, more positive narratives that can lead to personal growth and healing. Narrative therapy views people as separate from their problems—we are not defined by our struggles, we are in relationship with them. This externalizing process can be deeply empowering.
Is Narrative Therapy Right for Me?
If you're struggling with self-defining narratives that have impeded your life experience and are looking for a therapy approach that focuses on your unique experiences and perspectives, narrative therapy may be a good fit for you. This approach emphasizes the power of storytelling and can help you gain a deeper understanding of your own life story. I would be happy to consult with you to determine if narrative therapy is the best option for your specific needs.
How Does it Work?
Narrative therapy focuses on the stories we tell ourselves about our lives. The therapist takes a collaborative and genuinely curious stance in helping the client to identify and challenge negative or harmful narratives, and to create new, more positive ones by asking questions that interrupt debilitating paradigms. Narrative therapy explores the terrain of unconscious narratives that may be impeding on a person's quality of life. It also mines the unconscious for more adaptive narratives that might be hidden or less privileged than others. This can help the client to feel more empowered and in control of their life, and to make positive changes.
Learn More
If you would like to read more about narrative therapy, please visit: https://dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy/