Narrative Therapy: Rewriting Your Story

Narrative Therapy is an approach that views people as separate from their problems. This perspective allows clients to narrate their life stories, identifying times when they have been able to overcome or reduce the influence of problems in their lives. Therapists help clients see that they can "rewrite" their stories in a way that aligns with their values and desires, thus changing their relationship with the problem. Techniques include externalization, identifying unique outcomes, and using therapeutic letters. Narrative therapy is especially beneficial for individuals seeking to gain a new perspective on their issues. References: White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton. Freedman, J., & Combs, G. (1996). Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities. Norton.